Sales performance in the Central West outperformed the rest of regional NSW this quarter, according to the Reliance Credit Union Central West Business Survey for the March quarter 2007.

 

Coupled with the good sales performance was increased profitability and expenditure on new buildings, plant and equipment, according to Mr John May, CEO of Reliance Credit Union.

 

The Survey results were released by Charles Sturt University’s Western Research Institute (WRI) today. The survey included 190 businesses in the Central West and a further 324 across the rest of regional NSW.

 

Despite continuing drought conditions across the region, businesses in the Central West of NSW recorded a positive result in the March quarter.

 

“Approximately half of all businesses surveyed reported good or very good sales,” commented Mr May.

 

“Strong consumer demand bolstered the local economy this quarter. The construction industry and business and professional service providers also felt the positive effects of marketing and changes to internal factors such as staffing and management.

 

“Casual staff numbers were increased by a net two per cent of businesses surveyed, an unexpected result following the Christmas period. Full-time and part-time positions were decreased.

 

“Businesses in the Central West expect to record a strong performance again in the coming June quarter. Full-time and part-time employment is expected to remain stable, while casual positions are likely to be reduced,” said Mr. May.

 

When asked about staff training, over half of the businesses surveyed re-invested a proportion of their annual turnover into staff training. Chairman of the Central West Regional Development Board Mr Sandy Morrison said: “Short-courses and in-house training were the most popular choices for training, followed by apprenticeships and traineeships.

 

“Eighty-eight percent of respondents were satisfied with the training available to their business, which was a higher rate of satisfaction than was recorded for the rest of the state,” said Mr. Morrison. “Those that were dissatisfied commented on the time and cost required to attend training services only available in metropolitan areas.”