Farron visits local businesses to launch survey

South Lakes MP Tim Farron will be speaking to local businesses in Kendal tomorrow about how the recession has affected them and what he can do to help. The move comes after a number of similar visits made over a four day period by the MP last year.

Last year Tim visited over 300 businesses in 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 received around two hundred responses to his survey. He will now be visiting businesses in Kendal on Tuesday morning.

After the visits last year Tim also held meetings and surgeries for local businesses, but at one of their (hopefully) busiest times, he felt it would be more useful and convenient for businesses if he visited them personally. This is something Tim will continue this week.

Commenting, Tim said: "While many businesses had seen a decline in trade last year, it was encouraging to find that most businesses were optimistic about the future and were continuing to be successful. When I did this survey last year I got some very useful results. I am doing it again to see how times have changed and what I can do to help local businesses.

"Many businesses have had to lay off staff or make significant cutbacks in the recent recession 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."