Business Survey a Success

Local businesses have been responding to local MP Tim Farron's business survey. Tim spent Easter week calling on businesses in Kendal, Ambleside, Windermere, Sedbergh, Kirkby Lonsdale, Milnthorpe, Grange and Cartmel. At each business he visited he left a business survey, giving businesses the chance to share their experiences of the recession.

Tim visited over 300 businesses over a four day period and has so far received around a hundred responses with many more being returned each day.

In recent times Tim has held meetings, workshops and surgeries for local businesses, but at this busy and difficult time, he felt it would be more useful and convenient for businesses if he visited them.

Commenting Mr Farron said:

"Whilst many businesses have seen a decline in trade it was encouraging to find that most businesses were optimistic about the future and were continuing to be successful. However, a considerable minority of businesses are facing extremely challenging times.

"Many have had to lay off staff or make significant cutbacks while others are finding it increasingly difficult to get the right employees with the right skills. On the plus side, many firms have used the business advice and support made available through Business Link and the local authorities and have found it very useful. "

"Two major problems identified by local businesses are that their banks are unilaterally changing their banking arrangements, pushing many to the brink of failure. The other is that Job Centre Plus is not providing the service to employees that they would like - causing real problems when it comes to recruiting appropriate staff. I have therefore taken up both of these issues by calling on the Chancellor to instruct banks in which the state has a share to maintain sensible banking arrangements and by asking Job Centre Plus management to meet with local businesses to seek their views on how they can provide meaningful assistance."

"I'm also taking up a range of specific issues raised by local businesses and will report back to them individually."

"I'd encourage any companies who haven't yet completed their business survey to fill them in and send them back. By doing so you will help me get a clearer picture of the position of local firms and also assist me in getting action to help businesses through these tough times."