Small businesses in 'hard out survival mode'

Small businesses reliant on fourth quarter earnings are entering the period of 'highest risk'. (Image: Getty)

Fri, 22 Oct 2021

Many small businesses reliant on festive period earnings are entering the highest risk period for failure, a senior economist has warned.New Zealand is a nation of small businesses. There are about 530,000 businesses with fewer than 20 employees, making up 97% of all businesses in the country, according to figures from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).Of these, 388,000 businesses have no employees and about 100,000 have one to five.BNZ head of research Stephen Toplis said a significant number of small businesses were r...

Subscribe to BusinessDesk

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call.
Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].name) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

Markets Market close

Tourism Holdings and inflation updates drive NZX up

Tourism Holdings could be one of the most directly impacted shares of the US tariffs.

Tom Raynel 17 Apr 2025

Primary Sector

Potential Mainland buyers may soon tap regulators

Fonterra's divestment process is gaining traction.

Riley Kennedy 17 Apr 2025

Potential Mainland buyers may soon tap regulators

Markets

Asian markets lift on US/Japan trade talks

Shares in Tokyo rose along with Hong Kong and others.

AFP 17 Apr 2025

Asian markets lift on US/Japan trade talks

Sponsored

Bayleys Total Property Issue 3 out now

Backed by Bayleys’ national strength and global reach

Bayleys

Sponsored

Go beyond reporting zero emissions

Clean energy that helps businesses and communities thrive

Meridian Energy

More Retail

Retail

ComCom clears Woolworths ready-meal deal

The Commerce Commission granted clearance for Woolworths Group to acquire ready-meal manufacturer Beak & Johnston.Through facilities in New Zealand and Australia, Beak & Johnston (B&J) makes and supplies ready-to-eat meals under its brands to grocery retailers, wholesalers, and f...

Gregor Thompson 17 Apr 2025