Issue #31 January 2014
We would like to wish all our clients and friends a very happy, successful and profitable 2014
Balfour Consulting P/L has shifted office
Balfour Consulting is no longer operating from our office at 14 Dean Street, South Townsville. We have decided to take advantage of technology and establish a virtual office with all the associated flexibility and cost benefits this approach can deliver. We are very much still in business and still delivering our full range of services. Our contacts remain:
ph - 0408 972 356
ph - 0412 373 544
A Moment of Truth
I made some "Sensible and Some Outrageous Predictions" at the start of last year - now is the moment of truth!
There seems to be widespread agreement that this will be a year when the light at the end of the tunnel shines just that little bit brighter. Unemployment may rise marginally and we may even see another 25 basis points drop in interest rates, but improvement in the US economy along with greater stability in Europe should see more positive sentiment in an Australian economy that has actually been very well. - The light is definitely getting brighter, just hope it is not a train.
It’s an election year but don’t expect to be going to the polls before September. The election will be much closer than many would have thought 12 months ago, so expect to be showered with goodies and lavish promises over the next eight months. Outrageous prediction- Malcolm Turnbull to make a leadership move. - As always, got the promises but not the follow up. Still luv ya Malcolm!
Expect sweeteners in the next State budget. Things like unity and Federal seats depend on it. - Well, maybe this year, if you don't own a Harley.
International and interstate tourism in North Queensland will still do it tough as our problems are more than just a high $A and extend to product development, product renewal and customer service. We don’t have a lot that is new, but we do have a lot that is in tourism terms, old. - Tourism picked up, happy to be wrong.
Drive tourism will continue to grow, create issues and be misunderstood at a State level. - Understanding is spreading, at least in Queensland
Balfour Consulting will continue to be the best community consultation and engagement consultancy in regional Australia and offer ever client high level strategic management, strategic planning and research services! - So accurate!
As for 2014, housing is picking up in the capitals and we seem to be achieving something of a soft landing coming off the mining construction boom so some cause for optimism. Cowboys and Reds to win - a perfect year!