The future success of small businesses across the Peel region will hinge more on education and strategic development than on the size of the enterprise, according to a significant new report from the Peel Chamber of Commerce. This insight emerges from a recent survey conducted by the chamber, which aimed to pinpoint the primary obstacles facing local enterprises.
Survey Reveals Critical Challenges
Strategic development manager Ian Cadwallander explained that the chamber's comprehensive survey identified several key factors reshaping the small business landscape in the area. The findings highlighted a concerning lack of skilled workers, escalating business costs, and restricted access to professional training as major barriers. These elements are creating a clear division between businesses positioned for sustainable growth and those merely struggling to maintain their current operations.
Working On Versus In The Business
Despite these tangible challenges, Mr Cadwallander maintains an optimistic outlook for the region's small business sector. He notes that most small business owners find themselves juggling multiple roles, from marketing and human resources to social media management and recruitment. This often means they are working in the business rather than working on the business. Understanding the fundamental mechanics of their operation is therefore essential, and providing this educational support forms a core part of the chamber's mission.
The Path to Sustainability and Growth
Mr Cadwallander emphasised that the skills required to enhance business sustainability are entirely achievable when owners have access to a robust support network and informed, practical advice. He acknowledged the City of Mandurah for its effective role in providing courses for individuals in the start-up phase. However, he stressed the critical need for ongoing education that extends well beyond this initial stage to support continuous business development.
Traits of High-Performing Businesses
From the chamber's perspective, businesses that excel consistently share common foundational characteristics. These include a clearly defined business plan and a strong, actionable marketing strategy. Before committing significant capital, owners must rigorously assess whether a genuine market exists for their product or service, precisely identify their target customer base, and determine what truly differentiates their offering from competitors.
Call for Greater Industry Diversity
In a regional economy traditionally reliant on hospitality and tourism, Mr Cadwallander advocates for greater industry diversification. He suggests that fostering more white-collar industries would create a more resilient and varied business ecosystem. This diversity would, in turn, provide a stronger foundation from which small businesses across different sectors could thrive and support one another.
The Power of Local Engagement
Local engagement remains a powerful, often underutilised advantage, particularly within regional centres like Mandurah. Mr Cadwallander is a strong proponent of the shop local movement, noting that a well-crafted marketing plan is vital for business owners to gain visibility. Such a plan enables them to effectively capture both local consumer spending and the valuable tourism traffic flowing into the area.
As 2026 progresses, the clear message from the Peel Chamber of Commerce is that small businesses which proactively invest in knowledge acquisition, meticulous planning, and deep community integration will be the best positioned to navigate challenges and achieve lasting success.
