It's been a big few weeks for the region, state and nation with both the Federal and State governments handing down their budgets for the next financial year, and the release of data showing WA's economy is strong and tracking well.
JobKeeper program data is indicating a steady decrease in businesses utilising the program as many begin to post positive financial stability.
All feedback the Chamber is receiving from businesses across the region is indicating that business is back and booming!
Thanks to recovery stimulus programs and international travel restrictions, our construction and trade-based businesses are being inundated with maintenance, renovation and improvement works, which is also evident through an observed increase in building and development applications.
Our tourism providers are also experiencing increases as many West Australians embrace the opportunity to holiday in their own backyard. This influx in intrastate tourism is also flowing on into our hospitality sector with many operators expressing that they are operating at capacity more often than usual.
All of these increases have now presented a new problem for small business - staffing levels. As life begins to return to a sense of normality and those positions lost earlier in the year now return, many businesses are now struggling to source suitable staff to fill these positions and meet demand.
These positions range from casual front of house and full-time chef positions, to skilled and semi-skilled civil engineering and trades-based roles.
As we move closer to the holiday period, we are also expecting to see an increase in retail and hospitality positions, perfectly positioned for our region's youth.
November will be a big month for the Chamber and business community with a raft of events and forums on the cards beginning with the 2020 Alcoa Peel Business Excellence Awards on Saturday, October 31 at the Peel Thunder Football Club.
Related:
The delivery of outcomes for the Murray business community in the 2021 State election is front of mind for the Murray Business Support Group as they host a Meet the Candidates for Murray-Wellington Forum in Pinjarra on November 5.
Following this forum on November 7, the Mandurah Forum Shopping Centre will be hosting the 2020 Peel Business Expo featuring a wide range of local businesses and organisations.
Finally, for those with a keen interest in the safety of our business community, don't miss out on the upcoming 2020 Mandurah Local Business Breakfast Forum presented by the City of Mandurah with the WA Police on Thursday, October 23.
If you would like to attend, register online through the City of Mandurah's website, or call the team on 9550 3717.
