Strathclyde University’s Fraser of Allander Institute in collaboration with the Scottish Chambers’ of Commerce conducts the quarterly Scottish Business Survey. In the present survey, which was conducted in June 2006, around 350 firms responded to the questionnaire

Lockyer, Cliff

Malloy, Eleanor

English

Name not available

Scottish chambers’ business survey [October 2006]

Strathclyde University’s Fraser of Allander Institute in collaboration with the Scottish Chambers’ of Commerce conducts the quarterly Chambers’ Business Survey. In the present survey, which was conducted in September and early October, around 350 firms responded to the questionnaire

Scottish chambers’ business survey [October 2005]

University of Strathclyde Institutional Repository

Strathprints Institutional RepositoryLockyer, Cliff and Malloy, Eleanor (2005) Scottish chambers’ business survey [October 2005].Quarterly Economic Commentary, 30 (3). pp. 25-29. ISSN 0306-7866Strathprints is designed to allow users to access the research output of the University of Strathclyde.Copyright c© and Moral Rights for the papers on this site are retained by the individual authorsand/or other copyright owners. You may not engage in further distribution of the material for anyprofitmaking activities or any commercial gain. You may freely distribute both the url (http://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/) and the content of this paper for research or study, educational, ornot-for-profit purposes without prior permission or charge.Any correspondence concerning this service should be sent to Strathprints administrator:mailto:strathprints@strath.ac.ukhttp://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/Pages 25-29 Scottish Chambers’ Business Survey   Strathclyde University’s Fraser of Allander Institute in collaboration with the Scottish Chambers’ of Commerce conducts the quarterly Chambers’ Business Survey. In the present survey, which was conducted in September and early October, around 350 firms responded to the questionnaire.   Business Performance  Recent past and next three months Business confidence was weaker in all sectors than in the first quarter. Nevertheless, confidence continued to rise in manufacturing and tourism, but turned downwards in construction and the decline strengthened in wholesale and retail distribution.  Rising trends in orders and demand were reported in manufacturing, construction, wholesale and tourism, however, the outturn in demand in all sectors was weaker than had been expected.  Manufacturing respondents reported an increase in the volume of work in progress and a slight decline in stocks of finished goods. Average capacity used eased to 77% and the percentage reporting working below optimum levels rose to 50%. Construction firms reported a slight easing in average capacity used, but stronger rising trends in work in progress, and expect these rising trends to strengthen further in the second half of 2005.  In the service sector wholesale respondents reported a modestly rising trend in sales. In contrast declining sales were again more widely reported by retail respondents, and little improvement is anticipated for the third quarter. Only 49% of retail respondents (compared to 75% a year ago) reported rising or level trends in sales. Tourism respondents reported good second quarter results, and expect rising visitor numbers from all areas in the third quarter, although demand from abroad remains weak.  The likelihood of price increases eased in manufacturing, wholesale and retail. The rising trend in room rates in the tourism sector was broadly the same as in the second quarter of 2004.  Concerns as to the levels of orders/sales and competition rose slightly amongst manufacturing and more significantly amongst construction respondents in the second quarter, being cited by 42% of manufacturers, 70% of construction and 36% of tourist respondents.  Pay increases in the first quarter were slightly higher than in the previous quarter, and ranged from 3.2% in wholesale to 6.0% in construction. Recruitment activity was generally higher in the service and construction sectors than in manufacturing.  Expectations for the next twelve months Manufacturing respondents anticipate more modestly rising trends in orders, turnover and profitability over the next twelve months. Construction respondents expect rising turnover but more modest increases in profitability over the next year.  Retail respondents are again less confident as to the forthcoming year, and continue to expect declining trends in turnover and profitability. In contrast rising turnover, and more modestly profitability continue to be expected amongst tourism respondents.   Manufacturing  Optimism The rise in business confidence, a feature of the last three months continued at slightly more modest levels.  Orders and Sales The rising trend in total orders continued at more modest levels, and the outturn was less than expected. Respondents now expect some modest easing of trends in the third quarter. Rising trends in orders from all areas were again reported in the first quarter. Expectations for the next twelve months, whilst positive, are now weaker than three months ago.  The rising trend in the level of work in progress continued at more modest levels and a further easing in the rate of increase is expected. A higher proportion (50%) reported operating at below optimum levels compared to quarter one (35%).  Finance The downward trend in cash flow ended, but firms downgraded their expectations as to the trends in turnover and profitability over the next year.   Price pressures eased and concerns as to raw material costs remained widespread whilst concerns as to pay costs remained unchanged in the second quarter.  Investment 48% reported revising investment plans for mid 2005 to mid 2006, and rising trends in investment and leasing were again reported. Investment in the current quarter was again Pages 25-29  mainly directed towards increasing efficiency and for the replacement of equipment. Investment for R & D and to develop new markets/products, declined further.  Employment Employment continued to strengthen, and a higher percentage (58%) sought to recruit staff.   Table 1 Manufacturing – key results    Q2 2005  Up Level Down Business Optimism 28.9 48.1 23.0   Trends in actual orders Total new orders 42.8 30.9 26.3 Scottish orders 27.7 52.6 19.8 Rest of UK orders 27.4 48.3 24.3 Export orders [33.5% = N/A] 21.7 31.3 13.5   Trends in expected orders Total new orders 33.6 45.5 20.9 Scottish orders 21.5 61.0 17.6 Rest of UK orders 25.8 56.1 18.0 Export orders [35.1%= N/A] 20.9 32.7 11.3   Av Capacity used 77.3   Invest in plant/equip. 31.2 52.1 16.7   Cash flow past 3 mths 22.9 56.6 20.5 Turnover next 12 mths 47.5 38.5 14.0 Profitability next 12 mths 38.2 32.7 29.2 Price change next 3 mths 23.4 72.0 4.6 Construction  Optimism Business confidence eased in the second quarter, notwithstanding rising trends in actual and expected orders and work in progress.  Contracts The rising trends in the value of new contracts continued, driven by both public and private commercial sector work. The level of domestic build work contracts eased and little improvement is forecast, but public orders are expected to increase. Firms continue to report rising trends in the level of work in progress and 35% expect the level of work in progress to rise over the next six months.  69% reported operating at or above optimum rates in the first quarter, however, average capacity used eased to 87%.  Respondents are more cautious as to future profit margins and now expect little change over the next year, and 60% expect building and other costs to rise in the year to mid 2006. Both turnover and profitability are again expected to strengthen over the next twelve months, but at more modest rates than had been estimated in the first quarter.  The level of new contracts, shortages of skilled labour, planning delays and the availability of contractors were seen as the four factors most likely to restrict activity over the next quarter.  Investment The rising trends in investment and leasing ended. Once again investment authorised in the second quarter was mainly for the replacement of equipment and to increase capacity.  Employment The rising trend in employment continued. 63% sought to recruit staff (76% in the previous quarter) and 41% reported increasing pay by an average of 6.0%.  Pressures to raise prices from Pay settlements 37 Raw material costs 71 Finance costs 12 Other overheads 37 Transport costs 43   Table 2 Construction – key results       Q2 2005 Up Level Down   Employment trends Total actual employment 29.4 52.4 18.2 Total expected next 3 months 24.8 67.6 7.6 Average pay increase 3.7 Business Optimism 7.4 70.4 22.2   Trends in actual orders Total new orders 40.7 44.4 14.8 Public sector orders 33.3 42.9 23.8 Private commercial 33.3 45.8 20.8 Domestic/house build 15.0 55.0 30.0   27    Trends in expected orders Total new orders 33.3 48.1 18.5 Public sector orders 33.3 47.6 19.0 Private commercial 21.7 56.5 21.7 Domestic/house build 15.8 57.9 26.3   Trends in work in progress Actual 26.9 61.5 11.5 Expected 34.6 53.8 11.5   Capacity used 87.1   Invest  plant/equip. 14.8 66.7 18.5 Leasing plant/equip 8.3 58.3 33.3   Employment trends Actual employment 29.6 63.0 7.4 Expected next 3 months 20.0 80.0 0.0   Average pay increase 6.0 Percent recruiting staff 63 Recruitment difficulties inc. 23      Wholesale distribution  Optimism The decline in business confidence strengthened in the second quarter, notwithstanding slightly better than anticipated sales.  Sales A modestly rising trends in sales was reported; this increase is forecast to continue through the third quarter. The proportion reporting rising or level sales trends (72.7%) was little changed from the previous quarter (72.4%)  Once again the level of competition, along with business rates were seen as the factors most likely to restrict sales over the third quarter.  Expectations of price increases eased again, but still remain widespread. This may underpin the expectations as to slightly declining profitability trends over the next twelve months.  Concerns as to transport costs eased from the five year high reported in the previous survey. Nevertheless, transport costs together with raw material costs were the once again the most widely cited pressure on prices. Investment Investment changes were at the margin, affecting only a third of respondents.  Finance A more modest rising trend in cash flow was reported and expectations as to trends in turnover improved for a further quarter. However, respondents are more cautious as to the trends in profitability over the next twelve months, and a slight net decline is now forecast.  Employment Rising trends in employment were reported as 42% sought to recruit staff. 27% increased pay by an average of 3.16%.   Table 3: Wholesale distribution – key results    Q2 2005 Up Level Down Business Optimism 21.2 45.5 33.3   Trend in actual sales 33.3 39.4 27.3 Trend in expected sales 39.3 28.6 32.1   Investment plans 18.2 66.7 15.2   Cash flow past 3 months 30.3 48.5 21.2 Turnover next 12 months 48.5 30.3 21.2 Profitability next 12 months 28.1 40.6 31.3 Price change next 3 Months 42.8 43.8 12.5   Pressures to raise prices from Pay settlements 18 Raw material costs 54 Finance costs 9 Other overheads 24 Transport costs 61  Employment trends Total actual employment 12.1 78.8 9.1 Expected next 3 months 21.4 71.4 7.1   Average pay increase 3.16   Percent recruiting staff 42 Recruitment difficulties 40   28   Retail distribution  Optimism For a further quarter the declining trends in confidence continued and deepened, as sales trends were again weaker than anticipated.  Sales Declining trends in sales were widespread with 50% of respondents reporting declining sales, and 46% anticipating declining sales in the third quarter.  For a further quarter competition, business and interest rates were again identified as the three factors most likely to inhibit sales over the next quarter.  Investment Changes in investment plans were at the margin, affecting only a third of respondents, nevertheless, a slight decline was reported.  Finance The rising cash flow trends ended and a decline was reported.  Overall, respondents are again more concerned as to profitability and turnover trends over the next twelve months, with 38.9% anticipating declining turnover and 49.4% declining profitability over the next twelve months, although expectations as to turnover and profitability were stronger amongst larger retailers.  Price pressures were again most strongly anticipated by smaller firms.  Employment The slight decline in employment re-emerged, and this decrease is expected to continue through the third quarter. 46% recruited staff, and 47% reported difficulties in recruiting suitable staffs. 41% increased pay by an average of 4.12% (compared to 3.88% in the previous quarter).   Table 4: Retail distribution – key results    Q2 2005  Up Level Down Business Optimism 8.9 45.6 45.6   Trend in actual sales 13.5 36.0 50.6 Trend in expected sales 11.8 42.4 45.9   Investment plans 14.6 66.3 19.1   Cash flow past 3 months 12.4 61.8 25.8 Turnover next 12 months 22.2 38.9 38.9  Profitability next 12 months 19.1 31.5 49.4 Price change next 3 months 37.8 53.3 8.9   Pressures to raise prices from Pay settlements 28 Raw material costs 23 Finance costs 18 Other overheads 48 Transport costs 43   Employment trends Total actual employment 13.8 71.3 14.9 Expected next 3 months 5.1 80.8 14.1   Average pay increase 4.12   Percent recruiting staff 46 Recruitment difficulties inc 18      Tourism  Optimism A rising trend in business confidence was reported.  Demand The outturn in demand was marginally weaker than anticipated, nevertheless, for a further quarter rising trends in demand were reported for total, rest of UK and Scottish demand, although demand from abroad remained weaker than a year ago. Average occupancy, at 70%, was at the same level as a year ago  Overall 34% of business was local trade [22% in quarter two 2004], 43% tourist trade [51% in quarter two 2004] and 32% business trade [31% in quarter two 2004].  Finance The rising trends in turnover and profitability continued, although at more modest rates than a year ago. The rise in room rates, continued, but was slightly less than had been forecast.  Concerns as to the lack of demand were generally lower than in the second quarters in previous years.  Employment Changes in employment were reported by 27% of respondents, and the increase was mainly in the increased employment of part time staffs.  Recruitment 81% sought to recruit staff, and 31% reported that difficulties in recruiting staff had increased, overall 70% of those recruiting reported difficulties in recruiting suitable   29    staffs, most notably in the recruitment of chefs/cooks.  44% increased pay by an average of 5.7%.  Table 5: Tourism – key results      Business Optimism    Up 32.4    Level 41.2  Q2 2005 Down  26.5  Trends in demand/visitors Total demand/visitors   41.2   32.4   26.5 Demand from Scotland 30.2 52.4 17.5 Demand from Rest of UK 23.4 56.3 20.3 Demand from abroad 24.6 38.5 36.9 Business Trade 31.1 41.0 27.9  Trends in expected demand Total demand/visitors   35.4   43.1   21.5 Demand from Scotland 16.9 66.1 16.9 Demand from Rest of UK 22.4 63.8 13.8 Demand from abroad 28.8 45.8 25.4 Business Trade 21.1 49.1 29.8  Capacity used  70    Investment  25.8  60.6  13.6 Turnover past 3 months 42.9 40.5 16.7 Profitability past 3 months 47.6 42.9 22.7 Average daily rate 35.4 50.8 13.8 Expected average daily rate 33.8 53.8 12.3  Employment trends Total actual employment   16.4   73.1   10.4 Expected next 3 months 14.5 82.9 1.6  Average pay increase  5.7   Percent recruiting staff 81.4   Recruitment difficulties 70    

Strathprints Institutional RepositoryLockyer, Cliff and Malloy, Eleanor (2006) Scottish chambers’ business survey [October 2006].Quarterly Economic Commentary, 31 (2). pp. 37-31. ISSN 0306-7866Strathprints is designed to allow users to access the research output of the University of Strathclyde.Copyright c© and Moral Rights for the papers on this site are retained by the individual authorsand/or other copyright owners. You may not engage in further distribution of the material for anyprofitmaking activities or any commercial gain. You may freely distribute both the url (http://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/) and the content of this paper for research or study, educational, ornot-for-profit purposes without prior permission or charge.Any correspondence concerning this service should be sent to Strathprints administrator:mailto:strathprints@strath.ac.ukhttp://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/Pages 27-31 Scottish Chambers’ Business Survey    Strathclyde University’s Fraser of Allander Institute in collaboration with the Scottish Chambers’ of Commerce conducts the quarterly Scottish Business Survey.  In the present survey, which was conducted in June 2006, around 350 firms responded to the questionnaire.   Business performance  Recent past and next three months Business confidence rose in manufacturing, construction and tourism, and the decline eased in retail.  Rising trends in demand were reported for a net of manufacturing and construction firms. In the service sector sales trends rose in retail, and the trend in total visitor numbers was stronger than a year ago in tourism. In retail the trends in sales were stronger than anticipated; whilst in tourism the trends in rest of UK and overseas visitors were better than in the same quarter in 2005.  Manufacturing respondents reported a rise in the volume of work in progress, average capacity used rose slightly to 79.8 per cent, and employment trends strengthened, as did the trend in hours worked. Construction firms reported a rise in average capacity used, and a strengthening in the level of work in progress, and expect a further increase in the level of work in progress over the next six months.  In the service sector wholesale respondents reported a weakening trend in sales. In retail a net increase in sales was reported, due mainly to rising sales trends being reported by national and city/town centre based retailers.  Overall 71 per cent of retail respondents (compared to 50 per cent in the first quarter) reported rising or level trends in sales. Tourism respondents reported good second quarter results, with rising trends in Rest of UK, Scottish and overseas visitor numbers.   of manufacturing respondents, 82 per cent of construction months and transport costs were cited as pressures on respondents. Pay increases in the second quarter ranged from 3.49 per cent in retail to 4.8 per cent in construction. Recruitment activity ranged from 41 per cent of respondents in retail, 48 per cent in manufacturing, 58 per cent in construction, and 86 per cent in tourism.  Expectations for the next twelve months Manufacturing and construction respondents reported being more confident, at the end of June, in their expectations as to trends in turnover and profitability over the next twelve months.  Retail respondents are likewise more confident as to the forthcoming year, and now anticipate rising trends in turnover and only marginally easing trends in profitability. Tourism respondents expect rising demand in the third quarter.  Manufacturing  Optimism Business confidence rose strongly in the second quarter, as the rising trends in total orders and work in progress strengthened.  Orders and Sales The rising trends in total orders continued to strengthen. Once again respondents expect a further strengthening of trends in demand in the third quarter. Average capacity used rose marginally to 79.8 per cent, nevertheless, almost 50 per cent reported capacity used was below preferred levels. For a further quarter, expectations for the next twelve months are stronger than in the preceding survey.  Finance Firms upgraded their expectations as to turnover and profitability trends over the next year.  Investment Forty seven per cent  reported revising investment and 22 per cent leasing plans for the coming year, and rising trends in investment were again reported. Investment in the current quarter was again mainly for the replacement of equipment and to increase efficiency.  Employment Employment again rose marginally, and 48 per cent sought to recruit staff, 45 per cent reported difficulties in recruiting suitable staff and 22 per cent reported problems in retaining staffs.  Table 1: Manufacturing – key results    Q2 2006  Up Level Down Business Optimism 33 57.3 9.7   Trends in actual orders Total new orders 42.8 35.3 22 Scottish orders 22 64.7 13.3 Pages 27-31  39.6 42.1   57.8 33.5 8.8  39.1 39.1   44.8 35.9       23    71        37    44        16.6   69.6     24.9 61.2   3.84      Rest of UK orders  28.7  48.3  22.9 trend in tender margins is expected to be sustained Export orders [41.6% = N/A] 19.8 21.6 17.1 through to June 2007.   Trends in expected orders Total new orders 33.5 49.7 16.7 Scottish orders 21.1 70.5 8.4 Rest of UK orders 22.2 59.6 18.2 Export orders [41.8%= N/A] 17 30.2 11   Av Capacity used 79.8   Invest in plant/equip.  27.1 62.8 10.1 The levels of contracts and new work (reported by 55 per cent) and shortages of skilled labour (reported by 58 per cent) were again seen as the two factors most likely to restrict activity over the next quarter.   Investment Changes in investment and in the leasing plans were limited; nevertheless, a slight downward revision in investment plans was reported. Investment authorised in the second quarter was again mainly for the replacement of equipment.   Employment A strong rising trend in employment was reported, with a net of firms increasing permanent and temporary staffs and overtime levels. Increased use of sub contractors and self- employed is anticipated over the next three months.  Table 2: Construction – key results    Q2 2006 Up Level Down Business Optimism 26.3 57.9 15.8   Trends in actual contracts Total new contracts 36.8 36.8 26.3 Public sector orders 27.6 44.8 27.6 Private commercial  25 50 25 Domestic/house build 17.9 67.9 14.3    Construction  Optimism Business confidence strengthened in the second quarter.  Contracts Rising trends in new contracts were reported in the three months to June and 86 per cent expect level or rising trends in the level of work in the second half of 2006.  Seventy six per cent (57 per cent and 56 per cent in the previous two quarters) reported operating at or above optimum rates in the second quarter, and average capacity used rose to 92 per cent.  For a further quarter respondents remain confident as to rising trends in turnover and 37 per cent anticipate rising profitability over the next twelve months.  Whilst over 80 per cent expect the costs of building materials to rise and over 90 per cent increases in other operating costs, a level Trends in expected contracts Total new orders 27.8 61.1 11.1 Public sector orders 22.2 63 14.8 Private commercial  18.8 62.5 18.8 Domestic/house build 3.7 81.5 14.8   Trends in work in progress Actual 39.5 31.6 28.9 Expected 38.9 47.2 13.9   Capacity used 92   Invest in plant/equip.  10.5 65.8 23.7 Leasing in plant/equipment.  5.4 81.1 13.5    Employment trends  Total actual employment  34.2 57.9 7.9 QUARTERLY ECONOMIC COMMENTARY OCTOBER 2006 PAGE 29    Total expected next 3 months  20.6 70.6 8.8    Average pay increase 4.82   Per cent recruiting staff 57.9   Recruitment difficulties 25 increasing     Wholesale distribution    Optimism Business confidence dipped in the second quarter, although the trends for the first half of 2006 are not as weak as the average for 2005.  Sales The outturn in sales was weaker than had been anticipated, and no improvement is anticipated in the forthcoming quarter.  Price pressures remain strong with transport costs, the levels of competition and material costs being noted as the factors most likely to restrict sales over the next quarter.  Expectations of price increases remained widespread with more than 50 per cent of respondents expecting price increases in the third quarter.  Respondents were more cautious as to rising trends in turnover over the next twelve months, and concerns as to profitability were more evident than in the first quarter. Pressures on margins remain evident, and more evident than in the first quarter.   Investment The percentage of respondents reporting changes to investment plans was again reported by 48 per cent of respondents.   Finance The rising trend in cash flow weakened in the second quarter.   Employment Changes in employment levels were at the margin, affecting less than 10 per cent; nevertheless, overall a declining trend was reported. Overall 50 per cent sought to recruit staff, and 29 per cent increased pay by an average of 3.23 per cent. Table 3: Wholesale distribution – key results    Q2 2006 Up Level Down Business Optimism 20.8 41.7 37.5   Trend in actual sales 20.8 45.8 33.3   Trend in expected sales 21.7 43.5 34.8   Investment plans 29.2 58.3 12.5   Cash flow past 3 months 16.7 70.8 12.5 Turnover next 12 months  37.5 29.2 33.3 Profitability next 12 months  14.3 42.9 42.9 Price change next 3 Months 54.2 33.3 12.5    Pressures to raise prices from Pay settlements 29 Raw material costs 62 Finance costs 4 Other overheads 29 Transport costs 75    Employment trends Total actual employment  0 81 19 Expected next 3 months  15.8 68.4 15.8   Average pay increase 4.5   Per cent recruiting staff 50   Recruitment difficulties 33      Retail distribution    Optimism Business confidence again remained weak, although rising sales were reported.  Sales Changes in the levels of sales in the second quarter were widespread, being reported by over 60 per cent of QUARTERLY ECONOMIC COMMENTARY OCTOBER 2006 PAGE 30    36   37  8  12  52  59  34      19   74.1   6.9  10.2 83.7 6.1    3.49      40.7      30     respondents. The outturn was stronger than anticipated, with a net rise in sales being reported.  Once again competition (reported by 56 per cent), legislation/regulation (reported by 39 per cent) and business rates (noted by 22 per cent) were identified as the three factors most likely to inhibit sales.  Fifty nine per cent  reported utility costs, 52 per cent transport costs 38 per cent the costs of goods as the three main cost pressures.   Investment Changes in investment plans were more widely evident, being reported by 35 per cent of respondents (compared to 25 per cent in the previous quarter); and a slight increase in investment plans was noted.   Finance Overall cash flow trends were weaker than in the first quarter, however, expectations as to turnover and profitability over the next twelve months strengthened in the three months to June.   Employment The net rise in employment strengthened, although a net decline in overtime working was reported. 36 per cent increased pay by an average of 3.49 per cent. Thirty per cent reported problems in recruiting suitable staffs and 20 per cent difficulties in retaining staffs.    Table 4: Logistics – key results      Tourism  Optimism For a further quarter the rising trend in business confidence continued, again reflecting rising trends in visitor numbers.  Demand The outturn in visitor numbers was stronger than anticipated, and stronger than in the second quarter of 2005. Rising trends in total, rest of UK, Scottish and overseas visitor numbers were reported. Average occupancy, at 77 per cent, was higher than in the second quarter of 2005.     Level  Q2 2006  Up Down Overall 22 per cent of business was local trade, 38 per cent tourist trade and 40 per cent business trade.  Finance Business Optimism 15.3 61 23.7   Trend in actual sales 35.6 35.6 28.8   Trend in expected sales 33.9 44.6 21.4   Investment plans 19 62.1 19   Cash flow past 3 months 19 62.1 19 Turnover next 12 months  39 32.2 28.8 Profitability next 12 months  31 36.2 32.8 Price change next 3 months  37.3 55.9 6.8   Pressures to raise prices from Almost two fifths reported increasing room rates in the second quarter and a third anticipate some increase in room rates in the third quarter of the year.  Employment Changes in employment levels were again limited, being reported by 28 per cent nevertheless, the net increase in employment (mainly part time) was stronger than in the second quarter of 2005.  Recruitment Eighty five per cent  sought to recruit staff, and 64 per cent of those recruiting reported difficulties in recruiting suitable staffs, most notably in the recruitment of chefs/cooks. Fifty per cent  increased pay by an average of 3.66 per cent. QUARTERLY ECONOMIC COMMENTARY  OCTOBER 2006 PAGE 31   Table 5 Tourism – key results      Business Optimism    Up 41.8    Level 41.8  Q2 2006 Down 16.4  Trends in demand/visitors    Total demand/visitors 40.7 38.9 20.4 Demand from Scotland 19.6 69.2 11.5 Demand from Rest of UK 30.8 53.8 15.4 Demand from abroad 35.3 37.3 27.5 Business Trade 24.5 55.1 20.4  Trends in expected demand    Total demand/visitors 35.4 47.9 16.7 Demand from Scotland 23.3 69.8 7 Demand from Rest of UK 23.8 61.9 14.3 Demand from abroad 31 47.6 21.4 Business Trade 30 57.5 22.5  Capacity used  76.7    Investment  37  50  13 Turnover past 3 months     Average daily rate  39.6  41.5  18.9 Expected average daily rate 32.7 53.8 13.5  Employment trends Total actual employment   16.7   72.2   11.1 Expected next 3 months 13.7 76.5 9.8  Average pay increase  3.66   Per cent recruiting staff 85.5   Recruitment difficulties 64   QUARTERLY ECONOMIC COMMENTARY  OCTOBER 2006 PAGE 32    

http://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/46949/1/FEC_31_2_2006_LockyerCMalloyE.pdf

Scottish chambers’ business survey [October 2006]

Abstract

Similar works

Full text

Available Versions

Name not available

Name not available

University of Strathclyde Institutional Repository

University of Strathclyde Institutional Repository