To gain insight into the Southland business environment, Great South is undertaking the annual Southland Business Survey for 2019.
The survey, which opens today, provides a channel for local businesses to share the opportunities, challenges and pressures they are facing.
Great South Chief Executive Ann Lockhart said understanding the local business environment is pivotal to increasing the region’s economic growth.
“To encourage economic growth we need to strengthen local business, but we first need to understand the current business climate and the issues facing local businesses, and make plans to address these,”
The sixth annual business survey will track business trends and assess the impact of factors such as the use of new technology, online presence, the ease of recruitment and housing availability.
Ms Lockhart said the results of previous surveys have contributed to the development of business services in Southland and also resulted in significant events being held for the business community.
The 2018 survey, which found that over a third of businesses had considered research and development opportunities, encouraged an innovation talk with Ian Taylor, the 2019 New Zealand Innovator of the Year, to be organised during 2019.
Ms Lockhart said along with developing services and coordinating events, the results also allow Great South to advocate for Southland businesses and assist councils and local organisations with their planning.
The survey is available online for Southland businesses to complete until 16 November.
Ms Lockhart encouraged all businesses to get involved and said there were some great prizes available for those who participate, including six tickets to the 2020 Bluff Oyster & Food Festival, and vouchers for Level 1 Restaurant and Bar, and Solve It and Escape (Invercargill’s escape room activity).
“We’re interested in learning about the good, the not so good and everything else in between – this is an opportunity for all businesses to help shape the future of Southland,”