As we enter the third week of 2019, we are getting reports of increased confidence amongst business owners and consumers in the Gladstone region. Business owners that I have spoken to have indicated that 2018 ended on a positive note for many of them and 2019 has also started well.
There are a few projects that have been announced during 2018 and we are hoping to see increased activity in the planning stages for these projects that may provide a boost for some local businesses. There are also various shutdowns planned for 2019 in the major local industries that will hopefully provide a boost to local employment and may possibly bring back some locals who have travelled around Australia for work recently. We also have the increased number of cruise ships that will be stopping in Gladstone which provides another opportunity for local businesses to boost profits.
Business owners need to capitalise on this increased confidence and activity in the region and work on turning it into increased profits for their businesses. Marketing your business and the products and services that you provide is essential to let everyone know that you are open for business and being active in this area will keep you at the front of mind of potential customers.
Being active in the local community is a good way to put something back in and it will also help expand your network and possibly provide some additional business opportunities. Whether it is being involved in a local sporting club, a community organisation or by attending events run by the Gladstone Chamber of Commerce, GAPDL or GEA, there are various ways that you can get involved in the local community.
Goal setting is also a great way to begin the year, whether is it setting sales targets, customer satisfaction targets or putting financial budgets in place. And when these are determined it is essential that you monitor the results on a regular basis.
I do believe that 2019 will be the year that we see the recovery in the local economy gather momentum and hopefully local business owners will see the benefits in their results.
If you would like to discuss your business plans for 2019 please call UHY Haines Norton on 4972 1300 or email info@uhyhncq.com.au to see if we can help make it a great year!