"Business optimism remains high"

Business confidence among Auckland firms has continued to improve dramatically this quarter with a net 50% of respondents believing that the New Zealand business situation will improve, up from 37% last quarter and more than four times the net confidence for this time last year (12%), according to the latest figures from Auckland Chamber of Commerce quarterly business confidence survey. Those believing that the business situation would deteriorate have decreased by 4 % since February.

Auckland Chamber chief executive Michael Barnett says he is pleased, although not surprised, with the results of the latest survey which also indicates that net of 56% of business owners believe that their own business situation will improve, up 7% since February and 19% since November last year.

The Chamber quarterly survey was undertaken electronically earlier this week with responses from just under 1000 Auckland business owners and managers.

“This recent survey reflects what most business owners have been telling us.  There are still challenges – like obtaining finance and finding the right employees, but things are improving,” Mr Barnett said.  “Business owners are increasingly positive about the New Zealand economy and also about their own businesses.

“The survey findings still reflect difficulties for businesses in finding the right staff – 24% indicating difficulty in finding the right people with the right skills.”

For more information on the Auckland Chamber of Commerce May Business Confidence Survey, please visit www.aucklandchamber.co.nz