The Business Conditions Survey for the final quarter of 2015 shows a surge in business confidence. More than 170 businesses participated and reported an improvement in sales revenue and profits, an increase in capital spending and improving job prospects. More than 16 per cent reported an increase in staff numbers (up from 10 per cent) and 20 per cent expected to hire additional staff soon.

Chamber chief executive Debra Murphy said there was a spike in customer demand late in 2015 which drove increased sales revenue and profits. 

“This is a marked turnaround since our last survey..when uncertainty about BlueScope and the future of our manufacturing industry dampened business confidence,” she said.

Skills shortages were an issue with one in five businesses not having access to suitably qualified staff in customer service, accounting, sales, marketing and a lack of skilled chefs. The chamber was  encouraged by Federal Government steps to support retrenched BlueScope workers to re-skill and the NSW Government's decision to grant payroll tax concessions that helped BlueScope continue steel manufacturing. The chamber sees the economy as still in transition and wants more from governments on how business will be supported to innovate and develop new opportunities.