On the occasion of the 56th edition of the semi-annual economic survey, OSEO presented the results by region by analyzing the five main indicators: activity, employment, cash flow, profitability, and investment. The PACA region accounts for 9.4% of French companies with 1 to 250 employees and contributes 7.2% to the national GDP.
Activity
2012: stagnant
The companies in the region confirm the maintenance of their activity. 37% of leaders reported an increase in turnover for 2012, while 33% reported a decrease.
2013: fear of a significant decline
SME leaders in the region anticipate a decline in activity, with 19% of PACA companies expecting growth and 27% fearing a reduction.
Employment
2012: slow growth
Despite a stagnant activity, SMEs in the region slightly increased their workforce. 26% of regional companies increased their staff, while 17% reduced them.
2013: hopeful for maintenance
In this context of deteriorated activity, business leaders in the region plan to maintain or slightly contract their workforce. 12% of the business leaders surveyed plan to increase it, and 13% plan to reduce it.
Cash flow and profitability
The proportion of businesses experiencing difficulties rose from 39% to 45% (compared to 40% for all of France) over the past six months, indicating a significant tightening of cash flows.
The situation is expected to worsen in the short term: 7% of business leaders hope for improvement, while 36% fear deterioration.
Investment
2012: significant decline
In PACA, half (51% compared to 52% nationally) of business leaders invested in 2012. However, investment spending levels significantly decreased. While 23% of leaders increased their investment spending, 32% reduced it.
2013: possible reduction
Less than half (44%) of regional leaders plan to invest in 2013, a proportion very close to the average for SMEs (45%).
