Business Monitor Q2 2016 Summary Results

“Businesses caught ‘on the hop’ by the referendum result “Businesses caught ‘on the hop’ by the referendum result... at the time the vast majority had no plans to deal with Brexit...” Had your business made plans to deal with a Brexit?

“Uncertainty in the market leading a significant number to change their investment plans...particularly those businesses looking to other markets.” Given the EU referendum result will your investment plans change in the next year?

“Almost half of those firms in the cross-border market think Brexit will have a negative impact on their sales...” What impact do you think a Brexit will have on your cross-border sales?

“...something repeated, to a lesser extent, by off-island exporters.” What impact do you think a Brexit will have on your export sales?

Key issues for businesses “Volatility reflected in the changing importance of some issues... particularly costs and exchange rates.” Key issues for businesses The Euro/Sterling exchange rates have increased sharply as an issue and especially for exporters (where 53% cited them as a concern this quarter) Some evidence of a growing concern about inflationary pressures for the first time in several quarters Cash flow and late payments are declining in importance but remain ever present issues around a third of all businesses

“In any future relationship with the EU, NI businesses keen to retain access to the Single Market and allow freedom of movement of people.” How extensive a relationship with the EU would you like to see negotiated for the UK?

“Positive business performance in Q2 2016 with 90% of firms either growing or stable...” Business position Which of the following best describes the current position of your business?

“...good performance found across all sectors, including Construction...” Business position Which of the following best describes the current position of your business?

“... but consistent and growing gap in performance between larger and smaller firms...” Which of the following best describes the current position of your business? Business position

“...and between businesses selling to other markets and those focused on their own market...” Business position Which of the following best describes the current position of your business?

“... and, given different levels of growth, also between Ireland and Northern Ireland businesses.” Business position Which of the following best describes the current position of your business?

“Positive growth performance feeding through to pressures on capacity with almost half of all businesses at full capacity...” Capacity Is your business currently working at capacity?

“Improving sales performance by businesses in Ireland this quarter “Improving sales performance by businesses in Ireland this quarter...though employment increases similar in both parts of the island” Businesses increasing sales/employment in past quarter