Leaders voice their Business concerns so the Chambers can address them

Leaders are being asked what are the biggest challenges facing their businesses today and what support would help address them in the latest Quarterly Economic Survey (QES). The results will be used by the Sheffield City Region’s Chambers of Commerce, Local Enterprise Partnership and Growth Hub to work on businesses’ behalf to influence decision-makers and ensure the right support structures are in place to promote business success.

Hundreds of businesses take the survey each quarter as an important barometer for them to see what similar challenges other companies are facing and where market trends are going. The survey results provide trustworthy data for them to keep abreast of local economic trends and how other businesses are managing. It’s a quick and easy way for businesses to sense check how they are faring each quarter in terms of recruitment, sales, profits, turnover, and entering new markets. Plus, it gives an understanding of the business support available across the region.

“This is a valuable opportunity for firms to have their say on the local economy and what’s affecting their business. The results are used by the Sheffield City Region’s four Chambers, Local Enterprise Partnership, Growth Hub, Sheffield University Management School, British Chambers of Commerce, and other key stakeholders to influence decision-makers and ensure the right frameworks are in place regionally and nationally to support business growth and a thriving economy,” says Rebecca Leam, Policy & Communications Executive, Doncaster Chamber.

The latest results of the QES for Q3 showed the business outlook across the region remains largely positive despite continuing uncertainties surrounding Brexit. Service and manufacturing sector firms, both domestic and export focussed, reported positive balances in sales for Q3, and an increase in orders for Q4 2017. Issues of growing concern for firms shifted somewhat from previous quarters, to competition, finance and staffing. The results have been shared across the public and private sectors to inform their work.

Business people are being urged to take two minutes to complete the survey as part of the region’s strong drive to see the local economy grow. As an extra incentive, all respondents are entered into a free prize draw to win two return Flybe tickets to Amsterdam, courtesy of Doncaster Sheffield Airport.

Take the Quarterly Economic Survey https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/QES2017Q4
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