Halton Region. Business Conditions

Transcription

1 Halton Region Business Conditions 2014

2 Message from Regional Chair Gary Carr Time and again, innovative business owners in Halton tell me that Halton is a great place to live and work because we offer a high quality of life, business friendly environment, top notch infrastructure and a highly educated workforce. All of which drives business success. Halton is great place for both employers and employees. Seventy-one per cent of businesses who responded to this year s Business Conditions Survey identified quality of life and safety as one of Halton s major advantages for employees. For employers, the opportunity for growth is a significant incentive. Nearly 40 per cent of respondents plan on hiring over the upcoming year and many are experiencing growing sales and forecasting higher profits for the year ahead. That s great news and an indication that Halton Region s 10-year Economic Development Strategy is right on track. Part of that strategy is bringing new and exciting businesses to our region. I d like to thank the businesses who took the time to respond to this year s survey. Your views and input help to ensure Halton remains a great place to live, work and retire.

3 During the Fall 2014, we asked Halton business owners about the state of their operations, their outlook for the upcoming year, and their thoughts on how Halton stacks up within the Greater Toronto and Hamilton markets. Here s what they had to say 270 Halton business owners responded to the 2014 Business Conditions Survey, representing Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville and and all major sectors including manufacturing, construction, professional and business services, science and technology, finance, insurance and real estate, wholesale, distribution & logistics and retail. Further statistics on businesses in Halton are available through the annual Halton Region Employment Survey, a comprehensive door-to-door survey of all visible places of work in Halton. Additional business information and economic statistics are available in the Halton Region Economic Data Centre at halton.ca/ecdev.

4 Innovative 22% of respondents were involved in R&D or introduced significantly improved products, production processes, or equipment over the past year Committed Over 90% have been operating in Halton over 5 years 30% own their land and buildings Successful 38% saw increased profits over the past year 36% hired additional staff

5 Global reach 34% 48% of respondents export products or services import products or components from outside of Canada Exports and imports to and from Halton 14% 19% USA 55% 54% HALTON 3% 21% Europe 6% 0% 21% Asia 5% Africa 1% South America 1% Australia

6 Strong Growth 2/3 of respondents are growing 1/4 of businesses report Fast-Growth based on sales trends 41% 23% 36% Start-up/ Slow-growth Fast-growth Maturity/ Winding-down 39% are investing in growth over the next 12 months.

7 Optimistic Future 92% Economy of respondants anticipate economic conditions in Halton will remain stable or even improve in the upcoming year. Profits Nearly all are forecasting steady or higher profits over the next 12 months. 55% 40% 5% Increase Hold Steady Decrease Hiring Well over 1/3 intend to bring on additional staff over the next 12 months. 38% 58% 4% Hiring Maintaining Decreasing

8 Competitive Landscape Compared to the rest of the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), local business owners rank Halton as the preferred location for business. Halton s competitive position Per cent of respondents that rank Halton as comparable or an advantage to the GTHA. quality OF life & safety financing proximity TO SUPPLIERS TELECOMMUNICATIONS CONSTRUCTION COSTS MARKET ACCESS WATER/WASTEWATER CAPACITY ACCESS TO TRAINING LABOUR COSTS DEVELOPMENT COSTS MUNICIPAL TAXES AVAILABILITY OF SUITABLE SPACE ZONING REGULATIONS LABOUR AVAILABILITY AVAILABILITY OF LAND TRANSPORTATION COST OF SPACE municipal PERMIT PROCESS LAND COST TRANSIT 94% of survey respondents rank Halton s quality of life as comparable or advantageous to the GTHA.

9 Competitive Position 87% Per cent of respondents that rank Halton as comparable or an advantage to the GTHA. Industrial 86% 80% After quality of life and safety, businesses across each sector rank Halton strongly for their unique locational considerations. Market access Water/wastewater capacity Commercial Office Access to training 89% 75% 75% Availability of financing Telecommunications Development costs Retail 79% 69% 68% Proximity to suppliers Labour costs Construction costs

10 Contact Us Economic Development Division: Your source for business information in Halton Region. Ask us about the region s market accessibility, our skilled and educated work force, growth potential, above average lifestyle, competitive costs, business properties and any other topic related to business opportunities throughout Halton. Halton Region Economic Development Division 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville, Ontario, Canada L6M 3L1 Telephone: Toll Free: HALTON Fax: ecdev@halton.ca Website: halton.ca/business Hours of Operation Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. We welcome your inquiries and look forward to connecting with you. LPS-14109