The Ready Response Network allows the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) to consult small business owners and managers via regular online questionnaires, on topical issues of importance.

While this is not a formal survey process, the results from these polls act as an effective litmus test of the sentiment of the small business sector and enables the SBDC to "keep a finger on the pulse" regarding current and emerging issues.

1. Recent polls - Business Expectations Opinion Poll 2012
2. Dealing with Major Unexpected Events
3. Small Business Expectations 2011
4. Dispute Resolution – December 2010
5. Social Media for Business
6. Federal Government's Paid Parental Leave Scheme
7. Increasing Operating Expenses
8. Small Business Issues and Concerns
9. Small Business Expectations for 2010
10. How to join the Ready Response Network and participate in our polls

Business Expectations Opinion Poll 2012

The Ready Response Network is a group of small business operators who have indicated an interest to engage in regular surveys on small business issues.  At the end of each year the SBDC provides an opportunity for members of the network to provide their opinion on a range of issues that may impact on their business in the coming year.  This survey has been conducted annually since 2004.

The annual Small Business Expectations Survey for 2012 was released to the Ready Response Network on 12 December 2011 and closed on 13 January 2012.  A total of 125 responses were received and the results, including comparisons with 2010 and 2011 where appropriate, are presented below.  

In general, most respondents indicated a cautious outlook for 2012 evidenced by the following results:

• Economy: 42 per cent (53 businesses) of respondents indicated that the economy would have a negative impact on their business in 2012; this is up from 30 per cent the previous year.
• Sales / Revenue: 58 per cent (72 businesses) of respondents indicated that they expect sales to increase in 2012; this is down from 70 per cent the previous year.
• Selling prices: 47 per cent (59 businesses) of respondents expect selling prices to increase in 2012; this is down from 52 per cent the previous year.
• Profitability: 42 per cent (52 businesses) of respondents expect profitability to increase in 2012; this is down from 54 per cent the previous year.
• Ability to find suitable staff: 38 per cent (47 businesses) of respondents indicated that they expect finding suitable staff to become more challenging in 2012; this is down from 49 per cent the previous year.
• The top challenges for small businesses in 2012 are expected to be:
  • Attracting new customers - 49 per cent (61 businesses)
  • Increasing costs - 38 per cent (48 businesses)
  • Cash flow management - 30 per cent (37 businesses)
  • Achieving / managing growth - 27 per cent (34 businesses)
  • Red tape - 27 per cent (34 businesses)

The survey also provides an opportunity for respondents to make additional comments on their business outlook for the coming year.  Some of these comments indicated:

• Contemplation of business closure to gain full time employment.
• Reducing staff levels.
• Difficulties in planning for the future due to economic instability.
• Trade may be solid but profit margins are small and costs are rising.

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To find out more about the Network

If you would like to know more about the Ready Response Network, please contact:

Policy, Planning and Stakeholder Relations
Small Business Development Corporation
Email readyresponse@smallbusiness.wa.gov.au
Telephone 131 BIZ (131 249)

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