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2019 Sunshine Coast Export Survey

We value your time.

The information you provide will assist decision makers with valuable insight into the Sunshine Coast’s business activity in national and international markets. Surveys can be completed by a senior business representative; you don’t have to be the owner of the business to complete the survey.

Thank you for participating in this survey, which takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. The questions will cover the following categories: organisation profile, organisation outlook, export activity, challenges, risks and opportunities. 

Privacy
The Sunshine Coast Regional Council is collecting the information on this survey to inform the development of Sunshine Coast Council’s Export Development Program for 2019 to drive greater connectivity between the Sunshine Coast economy and business community with national and global markets. This is authorised under the Local Government Act 2009 and other Local Government Acts.  Personal information will be collected, accessed, stored, used and disclosed in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2009 and Council’s Information Privacy Policy. By including personal information and/or sensitive information in your survey answers, you consent to the Council collecting, accessing, storing, using and disclosing that information in accordance with this Policy. This survey data is collected using SurveyMonkey Inc and may result in the overseas storage of information. SurveyMonkey Inc’s Privacy Policy can be accessed via this link.

To participate, please answer the following questions:
1.How many full-time employees (Full Time Equivalent)  are currently employed by your business?
2.Please estimate the total value, including assets, of your business today:
3.Which of the following best describes the structure of your business?
4.How many years has your business been operating?
5.What were your gross sales or revenue for the most recent fiscal year?
6.Approximately what percentage of your business comes from exporting outside of Australia?
7.In what region is your business located?
8.Which of the following best describes the industry sector in which your business operates? (Please note these industry sectors align with ANZIC Reporting codes. If you are unsure which please fill in a description in the comment box under “Other”)
9.Have you ever sold merchandise or services to customers outside of the Sunshine Coast (but within Australia)?
10.What kind of merchandise or services have you sold to customers outside of the Sunshine Coast (but within Australia)?
11.Have you ever sold goods or services to customers outside of Australia?
12.What kind of merchandise or services have you sold to customers outside Australia?
13.Approximately what percentage of your export sales are to overseas consumers compared to overseas businesses?
Percentage of export sales
Consumers
Businesses
Don't know
14.What were/are your reasons for choosing your first international market?
(Select all that apply)
15.Approximately how many countries is your business exporting to?
16.Please select the top three countries to which your business exports goods/services:
17.What region of the world do you believe to be the greatest emerging market for your business in the next three years?
18.How large was your total international revenue last financial year, approximately?
19.Approximately what percentage of your exports are from raw materials, components or parts that are of foreign origin (imported)?
20.Approximately how many years has your business been exporting?
21.In the last 5 years, how much has your export volume changed?
22.What do you consider the main barriers to selling your goods and/or services to international customers? (Select all that apply)
23.Which of the following organisations have aided your business to overcome export related challenges? (Select all that apply)
24.What support would be of value to you in exploring further international opportunities? (Select all that apply)
25.The Australian Federal government has negotiated Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with key trading partners. Which of the following FTAs has your business utilised? (Select all that apply)
26.Do you have a dedicated export plan for your business and overseas markets?
27.Do you have a dedicated staff member/employee in charge of exports?
28.How does your business service your export markets?
29.What impact do you believe the opening of the Sunshine Coast Airport to international flights to Asia and Pacific in 2020 will have on your international business connections, and/or export of goods/services?
30.Would you be interested in attending a Sunshine Coast Council trade mission lead by the Mayor or Deputy Mayor to key Asian markets in 2019? 
31.How would you best prefer to receive information, assistance and/or network around export topics? (Select all that apply)
32.Would you like to be included in the weekly draw to receive a free export support package* from the Export Council of Australia ? 
*Each package includes an export handbook, 3 hours of telephone coaching and 12 months subscription to the ECA Going Global online program.
33.Business Contact Information (Optional)
THANK YOU FOR COMPLETING THE SURVEY

Use of Survey Answers
Survey answers will be used to inform the development of Sunshine Coast Council’s Export Development Program for 2019 to drive greater connectivity between the Sunshine Coast economy and business community with national and global markets. Survey answers may be used for any subsequent reporting, and for promotion and utilisation of the report and the program. For example, we may quote your answers in a report or promotional material or provide your answers to other government agencies.  If we do this, we will not use any personal information or any other information that could identify you unless we get your permission. With your consent only, Council will provide your survey answers and relevant contact details (including personal information) to other government agencies within Australia for the sole purpose of providing you with requested support services.

Information on Sunshine Coast Council’s online export resources for local business can be found via the following links:

News: Subscribe to Council's monthly Business News Update, HERE.
LinkedIn: Join the Sunshine Coast Export LinkedIn Group, HERE.
Email: export@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au