Confidence amongst members about the financial future of their business is high at a rate of 87.5%. On another positive note more than half of businesses (56%) reported an increase in net profits over the months of Q2 2014, while 52.52% anticipate a growth in net profit profits over Q3 2014. Survey findings regarding reported and projected employment trends are reflective of the wider national trends regarding improved employment outlook over 2014 with 40% of businesses reporting an increase in employee numbers over Q2 and just 1.98% of businesses reported a decline.

In terms of business sentiment regarding government policy, businesses were most positive about the impact of government policy on foreign direct investment and the restoration of fiscal sustainability with 51.7% of businesses reporting a positive impact on the former and 33.0% reporting a positive impact on the latter.  This was closely followed by employment and job creation, where 32.6% reported a positive impact as a result of government policy.

The feedback from members highlighted a number of warning alerts, particularly relating to working capital, political reform and taxation issues, where improved interventions and careful monitoring are required to ensure that business confidence and the positive reported financial activity of businesses are sustained and further expanded.


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