BOOST Business Coaching

Small Business Minister, Maurice Williamson, recently released the 2009 “SMEs in New Zealand: Structure and Dynamics” report which reconfirms the strong contribution made to the New Zealand economy by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Small Businesses are still an important part of the economy says Jeff Smith – Wellington Master Franchisee for BOOST business coaching. It has been a long held belief of ours that the work that Small Business carries out is vital for the ongoing sustainability of our economy.

Featured in the report this year is information from the Statistics New Zealand Business Operations Survey. It presents data on the performance and business practices of New Zealand firms, and international comparisons with OECD members and the European Union.

The 2009 report shows:

• 97 percent of enterprises employ 19 or fewer people
• 89 percent of enterprises employ 5 or fewer people
• SMEs account for 31% of all employees
• Self-employed people comprise 11 % of the labour force
• Wellington has over 46000 small business
• Auckland 147000 and Canterbury 58000
• Small firms are less likely to survive than large firms