Results summary

• Respondents were primarily from retail trade (23%), accommodation and food sector (23%) and health care and social assistance (12%) and primarily work at a permanent business location.
• Development and training needs include marketing (digital, social and general), cash flow, grant writing, business planning and improving energy efficiency.
• More businesses are experiencing challenges recruiting and retaining staff than before the pandemic. Attracting staff was a key issue for approximately a third of respondents.
• Businesses are confident that our economy is improving, are planning to expand their business and increase staff numbers.
• Anticipated challenges for next 12 months include Australians choosing to travel overseas, petrol prices, staff retention and recruitment and managing low tourist numbers without government support