2 minute read
Local Business
Interest in local investment is inspiring!
According to the Sunshine Coast Business Survey and Westpac Pulse Survey conducted late last year, the Sunshine Coast has the highest level of business confidence of any region in Queensland with 56 per cent of businesses expecting an increase in profitability over 2015.
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The Council’s regional economic development strategy is concertedly focused on attracting overseas investment to the Sunshine Coast and to date, Mayor Mark Jamieson has secured a signed memorandum of understanding from the Hong Kong Real Property Federation which heralds the end of a months-long process since members visited last November, and the opening of new investment channels and opportunities for business expansion. Additionally, the Council is proactively offering financial assistance for local, non-for-profit businesses in an effort to boost this sector. An injection of $100 million from Youi to build and establish their global headquarters in Sippy Downs will boost the local economy with a range of construction and building tenders, as well as offering career options for those graduating from neighbouring University of the Sunshine Coast. New interest from national retail franchises, who to date have yet to invest in the region, are set to tap into the market as part of their national expansion strategy. The new Bli Bli Village Centre development and Moko are on track for completion the latter part of 2016 and, as a result of the residential-heavy demographics, businesses who take up tenancies are well-positioned to take advantage of this. Nambour is also enjoying a resurgence, inspired by the rejuvenation of Maroochydore, and plenty of new start-up businesses from returnees are boosting the economy with boutique, vintage, artisan and bespoke products, as well as the Arts. Frequent and positive media coverage along with social media influencers are contributing to an increase in retail activity, which is set to continue.
Michael Shadforth is President of the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce, President of Sunshine Coast Chambers Alliance and Managing Director of Ray White Commercial North Coast Central. ca 1300 25 50 75 // www.raywhitecommercialnorthcoastcentral.com
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