A NSW Business Chamber Business Conditions Survey for the final three months of 2016 show business and confidence and economic conditions were strong and the outlook is positive for the first three months of 2017.
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Illawarra Business Chamber executive director Chris Lamont said pleasingly 44 per cent of businesses hired new staff between October and December and 41.5 per cent saw an improvement in the economy.
Mr Lamont said record building approvals, increased sales, continued diversification and an optimistic outlook were driving business activity and expectations.
He was also encouraged by 40 per cent of businesses investing in major capital during the December quarter.
But Mr Lamont said increasing operating costs and the impact of such costs on the bottom line remain a concern.