Still time to have your say in our major survey

THE North West’s business community still has time to give its view on the past year’s major economic and political changes and predict what the future may hold in a survey by TheBusinessDesk.com, in association with law firm DLA Piper.

The last 12 months have been a time of uncertainty for the economy, with the fall-out from the General Election, Budget and Comprehensive Spending Review still being felt.

Many businesses, across all sectors, are uncertain about what the future holds as public spending is cut and access to finance for growth is proving hard to come by.

[FORM: 38]

TheBusinessDesk.com, in association with leading law firm DLA Piper, is conducting the State of the Region Survey to gauge business sentiment.

Your answers matter and knowing how time is precious for those running businesses, we have made the survey quick and simple – it will take you no more than three minutes to complete.

We will be running a series of stories on the survey results from each of our three regions – the North West, Yorkshire and West Midlands in the New Year and comparing the findings.

In addition, we will be identifying the important issues that matter to the region’s firms and then lobbying on their behalf for the changes they want to see happen, as well as comparing the results from this year’s survey to one TheBusinessDesk.com ran last year.

DLA Piper’s Manchester office managing partner David Gray said: “During 2010 we have had to deal with some significant economic and political changes in the UK.

“Businesses still face major cost pressures, limited access to finance available for growth and, in many sectors, increasing pressures from workforces on pay and benefits issues arising out of cuts made during the recession. 

“On the plus side, unemployment figures haven’t spiralled to the extent that was feared and there has been activity in the deals market, helping to generate a relatively positive attitude towards prospects for the future.

“This time last year, the majority of respondents to the State of the Region survey believed 2010 would be the year for stabilising our economy and that 2011 would be the year for growth.

“After a year of progress on some fronts and unexpected new challenges on others, it will be interesting to see where attitudes now lie, and what predictions our business community is making for 2011 and beyond.

“With the new Government emphasising the importance of individuals playing a more active role in the way their local economy is managed, the State of the Region survey creates an opportunity for professionals from all sectors to have their say on what they regard as the priorities for the region.”

[FORM: 38]