Exeter Business Survey – September 2008

QUARTERLY SURVEY SHOWS CONTINUING BUSINESS INVESTMENT

Exeter Chamber of Commerce & Industry member survey (3rd quarter 2008) has revealed continuing investment in the last quarter, despite challenging economic conditions and the recent turmoil of the global financial markets.

The survey of 20% small, medium and large members demonstrates 77% of companies are continuing to invest in their businesses, with 66% planning future investment.

This is despite sales having generally weakened and margins under pressure, with 35% members reporting a reduction, four times the number surveyed in the same period last year. However while cash flow is down for 28% businesses, 60% report levels the same as the last quarter, with 13% members up, enabling companies to continue to invest in their businesses and plan for the future.

Although a fall of 10% on the previous quarter, 78% of members report medium to high confidence for the coming months, suggesting the national downturn is not impacting on Exeter businesses to the degree other South West cities and towns may be experiencing. The wider skill shortage concerns are not affecting Exeter businesses with 54% of members reporting no related difficulties and 85% confirming job numbers either up or staying the same.

Open Microsoft Word File Survey Figures – September 2008

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