The Small Business Research Board (SBRB) has established a Small Business Confidence Index (SBCI) to track trends among small automobile and other vehicle dealers throughout the U. S., it was announced today.
The SBRB through its quarterly updates of the SBCI helps determine and track trends shared by business owners and managers in the U.S. and Canada as well as in specific industries. The SBRB also issues quarterly SBCI reports for the construction / contracting, manufacturing, food and beverage, distribution and wholesaling, retailing and transportation businesses in the U.S. The SBRB U.S. survey programs are co-sponsored by International Profit Associates (IPA).
Based upon the responses during the fourth quarter of 2007, the SBRB has established an Automobile / Vehicle Dealer Index (A-SBCI) of 33.33.
By contrast, the overall SBCI for all small businesses responding to the quarterly survey was 33.67.
The SBRB polls capture the opinions of small businesses on such topics as the economy, revenue growth, hiring and significant issues, among others. The universe of participants is developed from among small businesses across the U. S. The SBRB studies are voluntary surveys conducted via direct telephone contact. Projections about the strength of the economy, revenues and hiring looking forward 12 months are the three key ingredients to determining the SBCI and providing the basis for the quarterly and annual comparisons.
"We are glad to be able to launch the automobile and vehicle dealer SBCI. The Small Business Research Board has had significant success consistently utilizing its methodology to track the opinions of small business owners and managers throughout the U.S. and we are certain this data will become a valuable real time management tool for owners and managers," said Gregg M. Steinberg, President of IPA.
The SBRB automobile and vehicle dealer study indicated that 35% of the respondents believe the economy will improve during the next 12 months and that 42% believe their revenues will increase during the same period. The survey results showed that 20% will add employees with 36% maintaining current staff levels.
More than 950 small business owners participated in the nationwide poll.
The universe of participants is developed from among small businesses across the United States. The SBRB study is a voluntary survey conducted quarterly.
The Small Business Research Board ascertains and reports the opinions of small business owners and managers on a wide variety of topics related to their own businesses as well as national and international issues that may impact their operations. The SBRB conducts these studies for the benefit of small business owners and managers. The SBRB also provides opportunities for third parties to gain real time insight into the attitudes of small businesses nationwide through the independently conducted research.
IPA provides directly or through its affiliated companies a comprehensive array of business advisory services, tax and estate planning services or merger, acquisition and other financial advisory services in the United States and Canada.
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