Calgary businesses believe energy market has fundamentally changed, hopeful about future, says research by Calgary Economic Development and Calgary Chamber
CALGARY, June 13, 2016 /CNW/ - Seven of every 10 Calgary businesses (72%) believe the energy market has fundamentally changed and two-thirds (67%) are optimistic about the future, according to research conducted jointly by Calgary Economic Development and the Calgary Chamber of commerce.
Calgary businesses today are facing a time of unprecedented change; economic, political, technology, regulatory, demographic and more.
"Businesses have recognized that many of these are long-term changes," says Adam Legge, President and CEO of the Calgary Chamber. "As a result, businesses are also now clearly telling us they are facing a hugely challenging economic period – 56 per cent of businesses say that they have slowed down in the past year. Small and medium businesses faced some of the fastest hits as the economy slowed."
Nonetheless there are encouraging signs for the future.
"There is a growing sense of optimism that's we've weathered the worst of this economic storm," says Mary Moran, President and CEO of Calgary Economic Development. "More than two-thirds of Calgary businesses (67%) are generally hopeful about the future."
Cost-cutting is widespread but unlike previous downturns many businesses are focusing on solutions that support their resiliency and diversify their business:
- 51 per cent pursuing more productivity and efficiency
- 39 per cent are investing in new lines of business
- 29 per cent are exploring new markets
- 21 per cent are training their staff with new skills.
"What we are seeing is the resiliency of Calgary," says Moran. "Three-quarters of businesses feel that while our economy is still dominated by energy it has become far more diversified in recent years. The research shows Calgary is a city that embraces change and businesses are confident they will be able to prosper from it."
"However, a concerning number of businesses still appear to be holding out hope that things will just turn around," says Legge. "Hope is not a good business strategy and fear is even worse. The businesses that will thrive during these challenging times are those that make changes to adapt to the world around us and focus on areas like innovation, productivity and new markets."
The Chamber and Calgary Economic Development have launched mutually supportive programs to help Calgary businesses change and succeed in this environment, and to market Calgary externally as a great location for investment and trade.
About the research:
The research was conducted through online survey by Stone Olafson. A total of 935 surveys were completed between April 15 and May 2, 2016. A sample of this size yields a margin of error of +/-4.1%, 19 times out of 20.
About Economic Development
Calgary Economic Development works with business, government and community partners to position Calgary as the location of choice for the purpose of attracting business investment, fostering trade and growing Calgary's workforce.
About the Chamber
The Calgary Chamber exists to help make businesses more successful, and in doing so, make Calgary the best place in the country to live, work and grow a business. It's a job we've been proud to do for 125 years.
SOURCE Calgary Chamber
To arrange an interview please contact: Stephen Ewart, Manager, Communications & Content at [email protected] or 403 993 7199; Scott Crockatt, Director of Marketing and Communications at [email protected] or 403 681 5529
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