The 2020 Port Macquarie-Hastings Local Business Confidence Survey has reaffirmed that the last year has been difficult, with results from the 412 businesses profiled showing declining trading conditions.

Businesses have however, been buoyed by recent improvements in the economy, with the survey results indicating the coming year will see change, with more that 40 per cent expecting profits and sales to grow.

Council acting group manager Amanda Hatton said there has been great support from the community to support local business, helping many to continue to trade and get back on their feet.

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"There is no doubt that it has been a challenging year, with the drought, bushfires and COVID-19 all having an impact, however our community have been working closely together which has been a key factor in keeping businesses open, and securing local jobs," Ms Hatton said.

"There is help available, and we're really encouraging businesses to access the support they need, with a number of funding and assistance programs being offered by council and other levels of government."

The survey showed that businesses considered economic conditions as the most important factor to business growth, followed by consumer confidence, government policy, business interruptions, operating costs and profitability.

There is also optimism that sales and profitability will improve in the next 12 months, particularly among the rental, real estate and agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors.

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Innovation was again profiled in the 2020 survey, with results continuing to demonstrate that the Port Macquarie-Hastings has a high rate of business innovation when compared to other regional areas.

Innovative businesses delivered significantly better outcomes across all measures, with higher sales and profitability, and a greater propensity to commit to increased staffing and capital expenditure.

"As well as continuing to deliver a range of financial assistance measures to local business, council is also set to deliver $85 million in capital works projects during the 2020/21 financial year," Ms Hatton explained.

"Additional funding from both the state and federal governments will also help in fast-tracking local projects, supporting the rebuilding of our local economy and providing local jobs.

"We'd like to thank our local business community for taking the time to contribute to the 2020 survey during what has been an extremely busy and challenging time, and really encourage our community to continue their support of our local businesses."

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