Survey reveals negative outlook for small business conditions; Ten considers streaming partnership with Foxtel: Midday Roundup

Small businesses have faced difficult business conditions through the June quarter, according to the latest Small Business Survey released by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Sales revenue, selling prices, profits, employment and investment indicators were all recorded as firmly negative, continuing the trend from previous quarters.

“Small businesses conditions in the June quarter remained poor and, broadly speaking, expectations for the quarter ahead deteriorated,” said ACCI chief executive officer Kate Carnell.

Carnell called on the government to be proactive in improving incentives for small business to invest and employ.

“A mature debate needs to be started on deregulation of the labour market and reform of the tax system – these are long‑term issues but that’s why it is crucial that the reform process gets underway now,” she said.

Ten mulls over content streaming partnership with Foxtel

Channel Ten is considering making a move into the on-demand content streaming market through a joint venture with Foxtel, reports Business Spectator.

The television network’s chief digital officer Rebekah Horne indicated to News Corp the channel may also consider charging television viewers for extra content via HbbTV, a broadbane-powered television service expected to launch soon.

“I think Foxtel certainly have a deeper understanding of the subscription business,” said Horne when asked about partnering with the pay-TV provider on its streaming service Presto.

The local content streaming market is heating up with US giant Netflix confirming in July its plans to compete directly with local players EzyFlix and QuickFlicks.

Shares up on open

Aussie shares have opened slightly higher this morning, with uncertainty in the Ukraine and Russia playing on global markets at the end of last week.

The S&P/ASX200 benchmark was up 2 points to 5568.5 points at 12.29pm AEST. Last week, the Dow Jones closed 50.67 points lower, down 0.30% to 16662.9 points.