Higher energy prices and continued economic uncertainty due to the Middle East conflict are piling pressure on small firms already suffering from a slowdown in sales. It represents a significant drop from the historic average of 8.5 per cent sales growth. Hospitality saw hiring fall by 0.7 per cent over the quarter as firms grapple with higher taxes and labour costs. Hospitality saw year-on-year sales fall by 0.5 per cent in the quarter, followed by just a 2 per cent increase in retail. We need policies that restore small business confidence, improve cash flow and create the conditions to invest, hire and grow.'