Business is everyone's business

Heidi Cooper - CEO

We all have a critical role to play in building the state’s businesses and economy. Backing Queensland business is important now more than ever.  

The positive impact of spending locally cannot be underestimated.  

As we look to the next year, decade and beyond, businesses in Queensland need to be best placed to capitalise on the enormous opportunities ahead.  Opportunities for growth and diversification.

Opportunities in domestic and international markets. Opportunities to scale and work sustainably.  Opportunities unlike many of us have witnessed before.

Some of those are coming from the 2032 Olympics which will put Queensland on the world stage with benefits to businesses both directly and indirectly. And other opportunities are coming from  digital advancements, an increasing demand for sustainably-produced goods and services and from overseas,  with an appetite for Queensland-made goods.  

But to see those opportunities realised, we need to ensure businesses survive the immediate issues they’re facing today.  

We know business conditions are tough. Record high operating and labour costs, reduced consumer spending and workforce challenges leave little for the state’s business community to be optimistic about. In fact, our latest Pulse data shows confidence in the future of the state and national economies is weak and has been for more than a year.  

We know the challenges families are facing around the kitchen table are the same as those being experienced around the business table with macro issues such as high inflation and interest rates impacting many. 

Businesses need confidence now to plan and invest for the future – and some of that confidence can come from all of us.  

A regional business recently told us customer support gave them confidence in the future. Steve Burns, owner of Nindigully Pub located 700km west of Brisbane, told us he’s seeing wonderful support from domestic tourism and consumers’ ongoing love of the Australian pub.

This consumer support means he has the confidence to continue opening his iconic business, continue serving drinks and meals and continue the pub’s legacy in outback Queensland, which has been ongoing since 1864.

Despite beer tax increases, business operating cost increases and supply chain and workforce challenges, a loyal customer base gives Steve the confidence he needs in the future of his business.  

As a state of consumers, the impact we’re able to make on businesses like the Nindigully Pub, or any business in your local community in Queensland, has the potential to open up enormous business value both in the immediate and long-term.  

While it might not seem like much in the moment, putting Queensland businesses at the top of our shopping lists, on our holiday destination maps, or local producers on the menu  can make all the difference in the future of state’s business community.  

And right now, businesses need our support more than ever.