The Quarterly Economic Survey, sponsored by Worcestershire County Council’s Clean Growth and Low Carbon Group, has now opened and Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce are looking to hear from businesses on how the past 3 months have been for your company.

The survey will ask respondents what the main challenges have been over the past 3 months and what are the main barriers for growth within your organisation. The subsequent report will provide an accurate snapshot of what challenges businesses face and will include a special focus on how they are thinking about climate change and adapting their business to be more sustainable.

Sustainability is now a key area of concern for consumers and brands are being challenged to consider their own carbon footprint and how they can adapt their business to be more sustainable.

The government are this week presenting their ten-point plan for a greener economy at the COP26 Climate Summit in Glasgow. Part of that plan will involve cooperation between government and businesses to help reduce emissions and meet the UK’s net zero target. This quarter’s survey will help the Chamber understand what exactly businesses need from government in order to meet the country’s ambitious targets, and the subsequent report will be used to lobby local and national government on how it can best provide businesses with the platform needed to succeed in this area.

Sharon Smith, Chief Executive of Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, said: “As the UK economy is starting to recover from the economic shock of Covid-19 and businesses continue to trade across all markets and sectors, the Quarterly Economic Survey is pivotal in helping to understand the business landscape across Herefordshire and Worcestershire and how we can best support UK businesses across our two counties.

“The survey informs how we can best support local businesses and how we influence government policy. The survey is now open, and we urge all businesses to share their experiences from the last 3 months.”

The Chamber’s Quarterly Survey is the largest and most up to date report of its kind within the local area and will provide an accurate snapshot of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire business environment. The report created from the survey responses will be used to shape government policy by key decision makers such as HM Treasury, the Bank of England and the Office for Budgetary responsibility. The survey presents a fantastic opportunity to get your key business concerns heard by policy makers.

Every survey submission entry will be in with a chance to win a Cheese & Wine afternoon tea for two at Centenary Lounge in Worcester. To enter into the prize draw please fill out the Quarterly Economic Survey here www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/GWHGRBQ4.