Business index – 2017 review

158 member branches are now included in the HAI Business Index, an increase of two members since the last report. In the end of year Business Index review, members indicate that there was double digit year-on-year growth in each quarter of 2017:

• 14% in Quarter 1;
• 11% in Quarter 2, Quarter 3 and Quarter 4.
• Year-on-year growth was especially strong for Dublin members.

63% of members indicate Business Profitability is higher than this time last year (up by 16.5% on average) and 70% of members indicate prices charged are higher (by 4% on average).

The month-on-month comparisons for Quarter 4 2017 show the usual decline between November and December but an overall moving average growth of 1% for Quarter 4.

As part of the annual revenue, month-on-month increases in sector revenue were especially consistent in Quarter 1 and Quarter 3 2017.

17% of all members offer agricultural supplies, rising to 35% of rural members. These sales account for 23% of Quarter 4 turnover (for those members who offer).

For more information about participating call 01 298 0969 or email.