Business Survey Results - 2009

The results of the third Fenland Business Survey have now been published.

In September 2009, two hundred and twenty five Fenland businesses gave their views on business activities over the last and the next twelve months.

The Business Survey provided intelligence on the broad direction of economic change in Fenland, and building on existing information, creates a robust model of economic and employment trends that can not only influence more measured business support activities, but also help inform the new economic assessment duty. Topics covered included;

• Economic history and forecasts
• Employment
• Business support perceptions
• Fenland District Council Service Standards

The survey was posted and emailed out to all Fenland businesses using the data from council's Non-domestic Rates database and, to also maximise response rates disseminated through our partners;

• Business Link East
• NWES
• Federation of Small Business
• Fenland Chamber of Commerce
• Fenland Business Forum
• Wisbech Chamber of Commerce

The survey was also available online via the council's own website.

Key messages extracted from the Fenland Business Survey 2009

• 225 businesses responded to this year's survey which is a 66% increase on 2008's return total of 150.
• Businesses in the district are more optimistic for future growth in outputs in 2010.
• Businesses still have financial concerns over interest rates, banks not lending and business rates.
• Over a third of businesses that responded to the survey have tried to recruit staff during the last 12 months. Of these, two thirds were looking for full-time workers.
• Satisfaction with organisations providing business support and advice services was high. As too was services provided by the Economic Development team.
• Satisfaction with council services and service standards was also positive, with 85% of all respondents rating the various aspects of the service as excellent, good or satisfactory.