Leeds City Region Business Survey 2015

12.02.2015

The LEP has commissioned a business survey ahead of the implementation of its £1bn Local Growth Deal.

The LEP has secured the largest Growth Deal with government for any area in England. From 1^st April, around £1 billion is available to invest in projects and programmes that will help grow the Leeds City Region economy. This includes providing support to businesses, ensuring they have access to the advice and finance they need to grow. The Growth Deal will also support investment in education and skills to equip the workforce with the capabilities businesses need, as well as investment in infrastructure such as transport and housing.

The LEP has commissioned a business survey to help develop a better understanding of the climate in which businesses in Leeds City Region are operating, their confidence, investment experiences and intentions. By getting a clearer picture of the challenges facing businesses, and by understanding their growth ambitions, we will be able to target the £1bn of Growth Deal funding where it can be of most benefit to businesses and the economy. 3,000 businesses in all sectors will be surveyed across the 10 local authorities that comprise Leeds City Region. City of York and Kirklees Councils are making a financial contribution to increase the number of companies surveyed in their area.

BMG Research will be carrying out the survey on our behalf. They will be contacting businesses by phone during February and March 2015. By taking part, businesses will help better inform us of the key challenges across the City Region as a whole. It also provides an opportunity to understand participating businesses’ growth ambitions and consider the support available to help them achieve those aims. For example, one aspect of our Growth Deal is an extension of our successful business grant programme, which has already provided grants to over 300 businesses, helping them to expand and create jobs.