BY DAKOTA TAIT
Hunter businesses are bracing for more uncertainty and are more concerned than the NSW average, according to the latest Business Conditions Survey.
39 percent of local businesses told Business Hunter, they are "extremely concerned" about the impact of rising interest rates on business expansion plans.
The region's business confidence index is expected to fall to -72.5 in the next quarter, nearing a lowest possible score of -100.
CEO Bob Hawes says it's the first time businesses have been less optimistic about the future than the present, since the pandemic began.
Staff shortages, energy prices, supply chain issues, and interest rates remain serious concerns.
