State of the Region survey: make your voice heard

NORTH West business leaders are today being called on to have their say on the impact of the major business, financial and political issues on their organisations in TheBusinessDesk.com's major annual State of the Region survey.

TheBusinessDesk.com is delighted to be running this milestone project in association with our lead sponsor, law firm DLA Piper, and which is supported by accountancy group PwC and the CBI.

We want to paint a true picture of the economic landscape and what it's like for you to run a business in this region.

And it's your views that count.

TAKE THE SURVEY

We want to know what the last 12 months have been like, not only for those running businesses and organisations, but also for those advising, funding and trading with them.

As well as assessing the impact of issues such as the introduction of Local Enterprise Partnerships, cuts to public spending and turmoil in the Eurozone on the regional economy and on opportunities for growth, readers can give us their predictions for business and the economy in 2012.  

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 Yorkshire, North West and West Midlands regions in the early New Year, comparing the findings from the three, and publishing an in-depth report analysing business sentiment.

David Gray (pictured left), managing partner of DLA Piper Manchester, said: "Last year's survey pointed towards signs of confidence in an improving economic climate following a year of political and economic upheaval.

"However, the great hopes for 2011 seeing a significant return to growth have not yet materialised for the UK. This year has instead been characterised by pervading uncertainty whilst the economy tries to shield itself from the turmoil that has beset the Eurozone.

"As we begin to look ahead to 2012, it will be interesting to see how the opinions of the North West business community have evolved. Now that the LEPs are up and running, is there a clearer understanding of the role they play and the opportunities they bring? Are these seen as effective vehicles to help the region achieve growth? What are the challenges that businesses expect to face and where is the most support needed?

"The output from the Chancellor's Autumn Statement tomorrow will provide insight into the progress that has been made in tackling the deficit so far and what steps are going to be taken next.

"Whilst some support to businesses may be offered, it's likely that austerity will continue to rule well into 2012 under the clouds of negligible growth. We're looking forward to seeing just how the region's business leaders will respond to the new challenges of a new year."

Nick Boden, senior partner in PwC's Manchester office, said: “2011 has seen forecasts for UK GDP growth scaled back more than once and as we approach the end of the year many businesses in the region are aware that significant challenges lie ahead."

Mr Boden said despite this, PwC's own research into UK enterprise showed that privately-owned businesses in the region are optimistic about achieving turnover and profit growth.

"This indicates that underlying business confidence is strong. It will be important that businesses stay focused on achieving growth and building confidence," he added.