CHRONICLE COLUMN – 24 JULY 2023 – TOOWOOMBA BUSINESS SENTIMENT INDEX
We are at it again. Building a suite of research to assist in creating evidence-based advocacy tools to stand up for the business community.
In 2022, we were joined by internationally acclaimed and Australia’s leading social demographer and commentator Mark McCrindle to deliver our very own Business Sentiment Index. Unashamedly, Toowoomba Local Government area centric.
The 2022, findings articulated a robust and dedicated business community, with over two thirds of owners and operators, taking the view, of our great potential, now and into the future. Significantly, it was very clear our connection, support, and collaboration with each other is a major strength and regional competitive advantage.
But it was not all fine wine and red roses. The evidence pointed to a lack of local infrastructure to capitalise on our opportunities and provided alarming feedback about the very negative impact of local, state, and federal regulatory settings were having on business. The research indicated that these two factors were seen as enormous barriers for the region, holding the city back from reaching its full potential. In essence dampening the attractiveness of the region, which is built on small business enterprise and innovation.
What will 2023 bring?
Well, Mark is back. The award-winning social researcher, best-selling author, and influential thought leader, who is regularly commissioned to deliver strategy and advice to the boards and executive committees of some of Australia’s leading organisations will deliver the Toowoomba Business Sentiment Index findings.
On Thursday, thanks to our valued partnership with our platinum partner Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise we will get to compare year on year to better understand the sentiment and perceptions of local businesses.
The 2023 Business Sentiment Index | What will be the verdict?
Have regulatory settings improved? Has the delivering of infrastructure been fast track in response to the 2022 results? How has tightening of consumer spending, new industrial relation laws and inflationary pressures impacted on our region’s businesses? How do we compare to other regions across this country?
With the upcoming local and state elections in 2024, we believe this evidence-based research will outline the cogs that need urgent attention to ensure the wheels of business continue to run smoothly and build momentum. How? By putting a very bright spotlight on what you really think we need at a local, state, and national level.
Best of all, this work will enable the Toowoomba Chamber to stand up and fight for the needs of the local business community. To work with our regional alliance to help the Toowoomba Local Government area get what it rightfully deserves.
Come and hear for yourself by grabbing a table or a ticket here.
