Australians called on for help as running a small business gets tougher

Australia – 21 November 2014: Three quarters of small business owners in Australia say it’s getting harder to run a small business, with two in five admitting they’re not sure they’ll be around in five years time. This is according to the Australian Attitudes to Small Business Report[i] commissioned by American Express as part of its national Shop Small campaign, which aims to reconnect consumers with small businesses.

 

The latest findings in the American Express Report, show that small business owners are implementing a raft of new strategies to ensure they remain competitive - testament to their resilience and tenacity. These include:

 

•                    41% -  investing in an online or social presence

•                    29% -  price discounting

•                    26% -  increasing marketing and advertising

•                    26% -  negotiating better deals with suppliers

•                    26% - increasing the range of products sold

•                    23% - forming alliances with other businesses

•                    19% - investing in new technology

•                    15% - considering longer opening hours

 

Minister for Small Business, the Hon Bruce Billson MP called on all Australians to unite to support small businesses.  He made his appeal against a backdrop of empty storefronts in Bridge Rd, once a booming small business district in the Melbourne suburb of Richmond.

 

 “Bridge Road was at its best when a diverse array of energetic small businesses competed with each other, delighting consumers and enticing them with variety, quality produce and great service” said Mr Billson.  “For consumers who value a broad range of options and the unique characteristics of a local shopping strip, it is important for them to support thriving and cherished high streets to ensure they don’t become a thing of the past. It is of our responsibility to ensure that doesn’t happen.” 

 

The Shop Small campaign is also being supported by Australian milliner and small business owner, Melissa Jackson who believes the campaign will remind Australians that if they value small businesses and want to see them thrive, they need to regularly shop there.

 

“Like a lot of people I went into my own business because I wanted to be my own boss and I wanted the freedom to create.  Seeing these empty shops is upsetting because I know the hard work and passion that went into establishing them and the heartache that must have been felt when their dreams were dashed”, said Jackson.

 

“Hard work, passion and good old fashioned service only takes you so far; you need people to come through your door, which is why I’d love everyone to find a way to support your local shops.” 

“Small businesses are increasingly competing in a proliferated and cluttered market. But despite all of their challenges, time and time again they demonstrate a commitment to adapting while still maintaining an absolute commitment to customer service - a key focus for half of the small business owners surveyed,” said Martin Seward, American Express Vice President of Small Business Services.

 

“The research also shows that small business owners have a true passion for what they do regardless of the challenges they face.  In fact, 56 per cent would recommend small business ownership to family and friends.”  

 

To participate in Shop Small simply shop at your local business in November. You can also pledge your support at www.shopsmallaustralia.com.

 

To encourage its own Card Members to shop in small businesses, throughout November American Express will provide a $10 statement credit to those who have registered their cards in the Shop Small promotion.  Card Members will receive the credit each time they spend $20 or more in participating businesses -up to 10 times[ii].

 

ENDS

Notes to editors:

To download images from the Melbourne shop front overhaul and key spokespeople:https://sendto.stwgroup.com.au/message/pxNIcSvrDxykRQyxPYdTay

 

To download B-roll of the Melbourne launch:https://sendto.stwgroup.com.au/message/nJaGiuJbbALBASeuB0Sv5C

N.B. If you require a high res copy please contact the team

 

About Shop Small

Shop Small is a nationwide movement that brings together support from the business community, governments and consumers to support small businesses. Shop Small begins on 1 November 2014 and runs for the entire month. Consumers and businesses should visit www.shopsmallaustralia.com for more information on the program and its benefits.

 

Shop Small was founded by American Express and is presented by Energy Australia, Google, MYOB and Qantas and supported by the Accommodation Association of Australia, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Australian Hotels Association, Restaurant and Catering Australia and Tourism Accommodation Australia. #ShopSmallAU

 

Ambassadors Matt Moran and Michael Klim, along with 20 of Australia’s most influential personalities, have shared where and why they love to Shop Small in their neighbourhood. The Shop Small Walk maps, from Ballarat to Surry Hills, can be viewed at www.shopsmallaustralia.com/walks