There is a definite mood of optimism in the business community based on the recent findings of a survey conducted in the city.
The 2013 Business Industry Survey was conducted earlier this year in June and July by the City of North Battleford's economic development department. Findings were released at an Aug. 19 council meeting.
There were 99 respondents to the survey with the target population being 660 businesses in North Battleford.
Among the survey's highlights, 46.2 per cent of those respondents reported an increase in sales in the last 12 months. 45.2 per cent reported positive prospects for growth, and 31.3 per cent reported their head office was in North Battleford.
A total of 56.4 per cent expected employee numbers to remain steady, but 42.6 per cent expected the number of staff to increase.
As for growth strategy over the next 12 months, 43.6 per cent expected increased activity at their current site while 40.4 per cent expected to continue the same level of operations.
A total of 22 respondents out of 301 targeted businesses replied to the industrial industry survey. Of those, 40 per cent reported an increase in sales in the previous 12 months, 47.4 per cent reported positive prospects for growth, 50 per cent reported steady sales in the last 12 months and 45 per cent anticipated increased activity at their current site in the next 12 months.
As for employment, the industrial respondents reported that 52.4 per cent expect the number of employees required to increase in the next 12 months.
But concern was also expressed in the survey about a shortage of skilled labour available. Of industrial respondents, 40 per cent noted the availability of skilled labour is poor.
Other challenges cited included the crime rate as well as a perceived lack of shopping and entertainment opportunities in the area. Respondents also identified several areas of strength in regard to doing business in the city including: cultural opportunities, health care facilities, highway accessibility, land availability and recreational opportunities.
In general, councillors were encouraged by the report's findings. Of the 46 per cent increase in sales, Councillor Greg Lightfoot said "that's a pretty substantial number." He was also impressed with the employment numbers.
While Councillor Ryan Bater appreciated the findings, he noted "we do have some other issues on the business side to address," pointing to the closure of the Maple Leaf Foods plant earlier this year.
He stressed the importance of making sure activity continued there, pointing to the task force that had been set up.
