Somerset's five Local Authorities are jointly undertaking a survey to better understand and support local businesses, now and in the future.

The Somerset Business Survey 2022 is live and can be completed here.

Businesses are encouraged to take part and share the link with their networks. The more responses there are, the more accurate the data.

Now in its third year, the survey has been developed with input from respected representative business organisations such as the Somerset Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses. It will give valuable insight into current business challenges, such as inflationary pressures, supply chain issues, higher borrowing costs, ongoing recruitment and skills concerns, and the journey to net zero carbon emissions.

In addition to providing much-needed intelligence about the position of the Somerset economy, the responses will be used to inform future targeted business support programmes.

The 2022 launch is a shared initiative between Somerset County Council, Mendip District Council, Sedgemoor District Council, Somerset West & Taunton Council, and South Somerset District Council. On 1st April 2023, a new unitary Somerset Council will replace the County Council and the four district councils. From that date there will be a number of benefits, including greater joint working and consistency across the county to ensure businesses are supported and the local Somerset economy prospers.

Cllr Val Keitch, Somerset County Council Executive Lead Member for Local Government Organisation and Prosperity, said: "By completing this survey, you can help us shape Somerset Councils' joint approach to backing businesses. It only takes 10 minutes but can make a real difference. The survey is anonymous and no personal data will be shared with anyone outside of Somerset's Local Authorities."

Here's the link again: https://somerset.inconsult.uk/AnnualBusinessSurvey2022/answerQuestionnaire?qid=8297763

If you have questions or wish to provide additional feedback, please email: [email protected]