Talent, longevity: Mackay snatches number two spot from Brisbane for business friendliness

Amid crises in housing and cost-of-living and with businesses facing labour shortages, a new study has determined that Mackay is the second best city in QLD to start a business. FULL LIST

A recent study revealed that Mackay is the second best city in Queensland to start a new business. We spoke to one business owner who agreed, but had some suggestions.

Amid a housing crisis, cost-of-living crisis and labour shortages, a new study has declared Mackay the second most business friendly city in Queensland.

Ranked just behind Toowoomba and in front of Brisbane, Mackay scored in the top percentages across 18 criteria including weekly incomes, living costs, business survival rates, education levels and age of workers.

A new study has come out finding that Mackay is the second best city in QLD for starting a business.

Moggy’s Group, a collection of businesses started and owned by director James Mogford, has been operating and expanding in Mackay for over 18 years.

“Having four major industries in the region helps,” Mr Mogford said.

“Mackay is a major hub north of Brisbane and we have mining, cane farming, tourism and cattle driving our industries.”

James Mogford, at only 37, is the Director of a formidable portfolio of companies. Photo: Fergus Gregg

Moggy’s Group currently employs over 60 staff across the Mackay region and is looking to recruit new workers for their latest business, Transportable Shade Sheds.

However, despite Mackay’s high ranking in the “talent pool” criteria, Mr Mogford cites staffing as one of the biggest challenges he’s faced in starting new ventures.

“Being close to the mines has made the hiring more competitive,” Mr Mogford said.

In order to attract workers, Mr Mogford implemented a four day work week for his construction company, one of the first businesses in Mackay to do so.

While Mr Mogford has no intention of moving his business elsewhere in the future, he did suggest that the council further support business growth by working with new startups to make the process of first starting a business in Mackay simpler and less mired in “red tape”.

Sam Allert, the CEO of Reckon, the software and accounting firm that undertook the study, said “with regional cities like Toowoomba and Geelong beating out capitals like Brisbane and Sydney, it creates an outline that while capitals are attractive, a higher cost of living could create barriers to profits and growth”.

Mackay’s cost-of-living score didn’t scratch up to it’s high ranking only beating out Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Cost while trailing behind other regional cities.

“Starting a business anywhere in Australia is a serious undertaking, but certainly an achievable one in such a prosperous country with excellent infrastructure,” Mr Allert said.

Mackay is ranked seventh on the nationwide list behind Bendigo and in front of Brisbane.

Originally published as Talent, longevity: Mackay snatches number two spot from Brisbane for business friendliness