Business owners and operators are being asked for their views and insight to inform future economic support strategies and policies in Westmorland and Furness.
The annual business survey, run by the Economic Development and Regeneration team, is the chance for everybody who owns or operates a business in Westmorland and Furness to have their say and help the council plan for future needs.
Councillor Jonathan Brook, Leader of Westmorland and Furness Council and Cabinet Member for the Economy, said: "The economic landscape in Westmorland and Furness is wonderfully varied, resourceful and strong. We take seriously our role in supporting businesses. We greatly value the insights and intelligence gathered in our annual surveys.
"The information we collect informs our policies and strategies. It helps us target our work, to where it is most needed, to make Westmorland and Furness a great place to live, work and thrive. It gives us a clear snap-shot, of the present situation and an indication of businesses' future plans. It also highlights, commercial land and premises requirements. Taken together, it means we can develop our strategies and policies based on first-hand evidence and identified need. Resulting in better outcomes for all."
The survey is available online for businesses to complete and contains 29 closed questions and one open question for comment, and takes just five to 10 minutes to complete. The information helps the council to better plan for future commercial development and to understand the opportunities and challenges facing the business community.
Submitted responses will support the development of the Westmorland and Furness Local Plan. The Local Plan will set out how much development (e.g. new homes and employment sites) is needed in our communities. It will ensure that new development is built in the right places and in a way that balances the economic, social and environmental impacts. It will set out our strategy for allocating land for employment, housing and other development. It will also allocate sites for development.
Issues covered in the survey include levels of confidence for the next 12 months, projected staffing levels, anticipated future business premises needs and the importance of addressing barriers such as climate change and skills shortages.
Businesses will also receive a postcard about the survey by post and are encouraged to take part digitally by scanning the QR code.
To take part or to view survey findings from previous years, visit: www.investinwestmorlandandfurness.co.uk/survey. The survey will run until the end of July 2026, and all Westmorland and Furness businesses are encouraged to have their say.
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