Businesses are softening

The conditions that led to Brexit, Trump and the rise of populism are becoming issues here, say leaders

Access to skilled staff and more support for research and development are two of the concerns of businesses, as highlighted in the Deloitte BusinessNZ Election survey.

The survey prompted 575 responses across a broad range of business sizes, regions and industries within BusinessNZ’s membership.

Business respondents were relatively satisfied with current policies for economic growth and international trade but want some key changes in other areas. Particularly lower tax, more access to skilled staff, better performance from the education system, and more help with research and development.

They also want better outcomes from local government and the Resource Management Act, more spending on infrastructure and more focus on regional development.

BusinessNZ chief executive Kirk Hope said the call for changes relate to the current growth environment. “New Zealand’s positive GDP performance is good for business and employment growth, but it’s also a stress factor. Many businesses can’t fill job vacancies and want to see more skilled New Zealanders coming out of the education system. tomers’ desires for new products, new services and new experiences.

Many also operate IT-based businesses, with the same focus on innovation. Business wants better connections between science and business to improve access to technology and skilled staff. It also wants help with innovation, in the form of practical assistance and funding. Innovation: everyone wants it — 58 per cent want better connections between science and business

52 per cent want practical assistance to innovate

40 per cent want project funding or loans or tax credits to assist with innovation NZ exports are often primary-sector based and attract heavy tariffs in overseas markets. Free trade agreements reduce tariffs and achieve better terms of trade between NZ and other countries. Businesses surveyed say they appreciate work by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade negotiating free trade agreements in key markets. Keep fighting tariffs — 82 per cent want a trade agreement with the UK

70 per cent want a trade agreement with the EU

47 per cent want a trade agreement with the US

63 per cent want to keep trying for the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) without the US Businesses surveyed say there is a need for an economic development strategy for regional NZ, as some regions lag far behind NZ overall in business and job growth. Business would like to see an economic plan for development in regional NZ.

77 per cent want an economic development strategy for the regions