Newsletter December 2023

Chairman’s Report 2023

In July of this year, I took over as Chair of the Confederation. In that time small businesses have been facing a very challenging environment.

The problems they face range from the cost-of-living pressures, supply chain issues and skill shortages.While it is heartening to see so many small businesses in the Greater Hobart area are doing well there are many more who are doing it tough….

Edwin Johnstone
Chair, Confederation of Greater Hobart Business

Full Report: cghb.org.au/chair-report-2023


City Has Challenges But Future Is Bright

In response to the article from The Mercury journalist Alex Treacy suggesting that “Launceston is leaving Hobart in the dust”, let’s not fall for the same old North v South negativity.

The $65m Novotel Hotel about to be completed is the fourth major hotel in Hobart to open in the last four years. These developments have added 1087 rooms to the tourism sector, hardly a sign that Hobart is left in the dust.

Hobart has some of the best and most resilient small businesses in the state. These businesses supply jobs and foster innovation that benefit the whole state.

More info: cghb.org.au/future-is-bright


Shop Local this Christmas

With just under a week remaining until Christmas, the Confederation of Greater Hobart Business is encouraging shoppers to shop locally on their gifts and holiday supplies.

Local businesses don’t have the huge turnover and resources of the bigger chains and may not be able to offer huge discounts, but shopping local offers an opportunity to buy something unique and enjoy a more personalised experience.

More info: cghb.org.au/shop-local


Free and Independent Advice for Small Business

Tasmanian small businesses can now register their interest to receive first access to free business advice through the new Tasmanian Business Advice Service website.

The new website features information for the Tasmanian Business Advice Service and also for the New Business Support Pilot Program.

More info: cghb.org.au/business-advice-service


Your Internet Connectivity Back Up Plan

There is nothing more heart-stopping than the moment when all of your business resources, communication, connectivity and capacity stop dead and there is nothing you can do about it.

The recent Optus outage wreaked havoc for many small businesses across the State, with issues connecting with customers and using the Internet.

More info: cghb.org.au/back-up-plan


TCCI Membership

Did you know that your Confederation membership comes with a subsidiary TCCI membership through Chamber Alliance.

More info: cghb.org.au/tcci


Become a Member of CGHB

Annual Membership is $55 and includes:

  • Subsidiary TCCI membership through Chamber Alliance (Value $399)
  • Advocacy on your behalf to Local and State Governments.
  • Regular networking events with discounted rates for members.Your business is promoted on our website.
  • Opportunities to market your business to our members.
  • Regular online newsletters.

More info: cghb.org.au/membership