2018 A Big Year For Business

2018 is shaping up to be a big year with members telling us their diaries are already filling up with networking events, workshops, seminars and conferences.

This is a healthy sign of a positive and active business community and we encourage members to make the most of the many free and low-cost events and workshops on offer in the early part of the year.

BNCC has already announced its first Night Owls event (5 Feb), a Facebook Content Workshop (12 Feb) and an International Women’s Day breakfast (8 March).

In addition to the Chamber’s own events, Brisbane City Council supports a number of activities for the business community including the Lord Mayor’s Business Forums with the first of these events taking place at Red Hill on 21 February.

The State and Federal Government also offer a number of events for business. In particular, Small Business Week has been announced to run this year from Monday, 28 May to Friday, 1 June. Stay tuned for details of the Chamber’s own activities during Small Business Week 2018.

On the sporting front 2018 will see some of the world’s biggest events with the Winter Olympics in South Korea (February), the Football World Cup in Russia (June/July) and the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in April. While some of these occasions may seem quite distant, even events on the other side of the world can create opportunities for business. Think of bars staying open late to watch the Socceroos or retailers keen to cash in on an increased interest in winter sports.

Turning to the economy, the Federal Government’s Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) saw a reduction in forecast real GDP growth for 2017/18 down to 2.5% from 2.75%. However, better news is expected in the coming financial year with MYEFO showing real GDP growth forecast to hit 3%, up from 2.75%, on the back of an expect growth in household consumption. Finally, in the wake of recent US tax cuts, we can expect the debate about whether to further reduce company rates here in Australia to be a major story over the year ahead.

Importantly Chamber members will be able to hear first-hand how these forecasts are playing out during our Economic Update breakfast later in the year.

As always, some of the best business connections you’ll make in 2018 will be from within the Chamber. Be sure to go to the Chamber website to ensure your business details are up to date and check out the extensive directory of members to member offers.