BUSINESS leaders are needed to shape Worcestershire's long term economic plan so they get the backing they need to succeed.

Worcestershire County Council, Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership and Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce are urging local businesses to take part in the latest Business Viewpoint Survey.

The survey which is being carried out by MEL Research Limited is available for businesses to fill out online at www.m-e-l.co.uk/WCCbusiness.aspx/with a direct link available from the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership’s website at www.wlep.co.uk The short questionnaire should take no more than 15 minutes to complete with a deadline of Sunday, July 5.

The information gained will be help to scan the horizon for opportunities and challenges, and work out how business can be championed financially and in other ways.

The survey is the third survey of its kind, with previous engagement in 2011 and 2013.

Cllr Simon Geraghty said: "This research will help to inform future decisions about what the county invests in and focuses on improving to help our businesses succeed and grow and therefore I would really urge businesses, of whatever shape or size, to take part.

"It dovetails into our World Class Worcestershire campaign and how we can achieve the ambitious aims set out in our long term economic plan for the county."

Gary Woodman, executive director of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership said: “It is vitally important that as many businesses as possible take part in the latest Business Viewpoint survey – it doesn’t take long to complete and will help ensure effective local support continues to be in place for businesses to succeed.”

The results of the survey will be used in business planning activities. For further information about the survey, please contact Emily Armitage by email EArmitage@worcestershire.gov.uk or on 01905 728538.

James Connell