[B]usiness owners are being encouraged to complete a South Lakeland Business Premises Survey for 2017 to help shape the council’s business support strategies.
This annual survey, which can also be completed on-line, is being undertaken by the Invest in South Lakeland economic development team at South Lakeland District Council (SLDC), to provide an up-to-date local assessment of business needs over the next 12 months.
Last year’s survey gave the council a good insight into employers’ future land and premises needs, and provides the team with information on which businesses may need additional support to help achieve growth.
The 2016 survey revealed useful information including which businesses were expanding, downsizing and thinking of giving up premises.
The survey showed more than a quarter of the 940 business owners that responded expected their premises needs to change over the next five years, with the majority of those expecting to increase in size by means of moving, expanding and/or acquiring new premises.
Many businesses responding in the 2016 survey also commented on other problems including broadband and traffic issues, which SLDC has been able to pass on to the relevant authorities for action.
Joanne Golton, Economic Development Programme Manager at SLDC, said: “This survey is a vital tool for our Invest in South Lakeland team to use to help inform future strategy decisions and policy making around business needs in South Lakeland.
“By undertaking the survey on an annual basis, we can stay up-to-date with the needs of South Lakeland businesses and develop a solid understanding of the commercial land and premises requirements. This helps us to focus on ensuring the correct type of land is identified and available.
“The views and opinions of the business community are very important to us and we hope as many business owners as possible will take the time to complete the survey.’’
When the results of the 2017 survey have been compiled the findings will be analysed and the results will be published on the Invest in South Lakeland website.
Deadline for responses is 20 November, 2017.
The Business Premises Survey has been posted out to all South Lakeland businesses on the council’s business rates database.
However, if you are a small business working from home that does not currently pay rates you are also welcome to take part.
Please visit www.investinsouthlakeland.co.uk/survey to complete the short survey online. Alternatively please return the survey by post or email.
