Tech and Construction Industry Lead Business Confidence in the National Capital

Finding skilled talent remains a top issue according to new survey

OTTAWA, Ontario--()--Business confidence in the Tech and Construction industries grew to 11.4 and 4 points respectively, according to the 2018 Ottawa Business Growth Survey by the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce.

Despite a slight drop of the overall index to 122 points from 125 points from May last year, the findings reflect the booming tech sector in Ottawa, which is rapidly establishing itself as a leading hub for leadership in Artificial Intelligence, Autonomous Vehicles and other innovative technologies. Meanwhile, the construction industry is buoyed with new developments, including the Phase 2 of Ottawa Light Rail that is scheduled for construction in 2019.

With the growth in these sectors, the demand for talent in these two industries remains high, 69% of respondents from the Tech sector plan to hire, and 47% from the Construction sector. Other sectors such as Consulting, Hospitality and Retail also have high hiring intentions, based on survey results.

The survey also identified the concerns of local business leaders with 72% of overall businesses citing the challenge of attracting customers, followed by 63% who struggle with finding skilled talent.

“It’s evident from the survey results that Ottawa is fast establishing itself as a leader in innovation” said Ian Faris, President and CEO, Ottawa Chamber of Commerce. “These signs of growth are everywhere, and we are establishing our mark. There has never been a better time than now to live, work, play, study, visit and invest in Ottawa.”

The Ottawa Business Growth Survey is the most in-depth study of the local economy with more than 1,000 businesses from multiple sectors and business sizes participating in the survey commissioned by the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce and Welch LLP and conducted by Abacus Data. Other partners include Ottawa Business Journal, Momentum Business Law, the Ottawa Senators and RBC Royal Bank.

View the full survey results at: www.OttawaBusinessSurveyReport.ca

About the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce

The Ottawa Chamber of Commerce is the largest, most influential and independent voice of business in Ottawa, representing over 700 members and 27,000 employees from multiple industries for the past 161 years.

Contacts

Ottawa Chamber of Commerce
Kenny Leon, 613.236.3631 Ext. 130
kenny.leon@ottawachamber.ca

Release Summary

Tech & construction industry lead business confidence in the National Capital. Finding skilled talent remains a top issue according to 2018 survey

Contacts

Ottawa Chamber of Commerce
Kenny Leon, 613.236.3631 Ext. 130
kenny.leon@ottawachamber.ca