Stephen Withers
Monday, 12 January 2009 11:46
Opinion and Analysis
Page 1 of 2
Information and communications technology is one of the most optimistic sectors as far as small business owners are concerned.
According to the latest MYOB Australian Small Business Survey, 83 percent of owners in the ICT sector say their business is currently doing very or quite well (a bigger proportion than any other sector), and a well above average 68 percent are extremely or fairly confident in their future business prospects.
The figure across all sectors was 61 percent (well down on the 72 percent recorded in March 2008). The most optimistic sectors in the latest survey were education (76 percent), accommodation, cafes and restaurants (73 percent) and wholesale trade (71 percent).
The latter contrasts markedly with the retail trade, which was one of the least optimistic with only 58 percent being extremely or fairly confident.
Given that the survey was conducted after the financial nasties hit the fan in the spring, Australian small business owners are showing a remarkable level of optimism about how well their own businesses will actually perform during 2009.
A surprising 46 percent said they expect their businesses will be performing better than they are now, with ITC coming in slightly higher at 48 percent.
And it seems they are prepared to put their money where their mouths are, with 37 percent expecting to invest in their own businesses during the next six months - make that 46 percent in the ICT sector.
What does that mean for employment in the small business sector? Please
read on.
