Exeter Business Survey Results – December 2011

Exeter bucks the trend

Exeter Chamber of Commerce and Industry reported the findings of the latest Exeter Business Survey for the quarter ending in December to the Bank of England on Thursday 15th December.   The survey, collated to identify the current economic conditions for Exeter and its sub-region, has revealed some surprising results.  Chamber members are reporting that sales are showing a 10% increase on last quarter's figures and similarly margins are also 10% up. 

The capacity figures show the highest number of business recording full capacity for over 2 years, indicating that Exeter continues to be riding the recession better than many other cities.

Derek Phillips said, "The latest survey results show that members are experiencing an increase in sales and margins which is very promising indeed.  With all of the latest redevelopments and with the RAMM opening this month I think Exeter is looking ahead to a bright future, albeit with a bit of caution."

During the Autumn quarter employment remained fairly stable, with 58% of businesses reporting static employee numbers.  However, a quarter of respondents expected to increase the size of their team in the next quarter and interestingly, over half of all businesses surveyed thought it likely that they would increase their employee numbers before the end of 2012.  In fact 10% of respondents thought that they would take on at least 5 additional personnel.

Business leaders from a range of sectors including Banking, Travel, Residential and Commercial Property, Agriculture, Financial Services, Retail and Manufacturing summarised their experiences of business conditions over the past quarter during the meeting. 

Ends

Notes to Editors

Exeter Chamber of Commerce & Industry is the leading business organisation in the City representing, informing and supporting 500 local businesses through national, regional and local political lobbying, a ‘signposting' referral service, networking opportunities and monthly business lunch presentations.

Annual membership begins at £85 enabling any employee or proprietor of the member organisation to use Chamber facilities and attend events. For more information visit www.exeterchamber.co.uk

For further information or interviews please contact Lisa Vanstone on 01392 278801 or email lisa@exeterchamber.co.uk

Release date: 19.12.2011

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