AFTER a strong June quarter, business conditions on the Gold Coast are expected to improve over the two months to September, according to the latest Commerce Queensland-St George Pulse survey.

The General Business Conditions Index for the region sits on 58.33 for the June quarter and is expected to increase by a further 1.39 basis points to reach 59.72 points. Total sales and revenue figures were encouraging over the three months to June, with 58.33 per cent of businesses in the region recording stronger than anticipated sales and revenue.

The strong sales and revenue figures are also expected to remain strong over the September quarter, with the Sales and Revenue Index forecast at 59.03 points. Over the June quarter, just under one third of Gold Coast businesses (30.56 per cent) recorded an average wage bill higher than originally forecast. While over the September quarter, one third of Gold Coast businesses are expected to increase the size of their workforce.

The majority of survey respondents (80.56 per cent) predicted profit levels will either remain steady or improve over the September quarter. Gold Coast businesses believe the strength of the Australian dollar, the lack of qualified workers, access to water, and speculation over the forthcoming Federal Election will play a major role in determining business conditions over the coming months.