Major business survey to measure coronavirus impact

April 5, 2020

One of the biggest-ever surveys of businesses across the Marches was launched today to measure the full scale of the economic impact of coronavirus on the region.
The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership – the business-led body charged with delivering economic growth across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin – says the survey will play a vital part in ensuring the right help is available to help companies survive the crisis.

Take the survey at https://www.marcheslep.org.uk/coronavirussurvey/

Marches LEP chair Mandy Thorn said the partnership wanted to hear from as many of the region’s 30,000 businesses as possible – so it could present the Government with comprehensive evidence of the scale and type of support they need. It launched the Marches LEP Coronavirus Business Support Survey on April 6 2020.
Mrs Thorn said: “These are extraordinary times in which businesses across the region are facing a fight for their very survival because of coronavirus.
“This survey – one of the biggest and most extensive ever undertaken in the Midlands – will give us detailed evidence to take to Government to ensure our business community gets all the help it needs over the coming months.
“We want to hear from businesses of all shapes and sizes – from the very biggest employing hundreds of workers to the one-man bands and sole traders at the other end of the scale.
“Only by getting first-hand accounts from as many companies and traders as possible can we lobby the Government effectively on their behalf. That is why it is so vital that if you are in business in any part of the Marches you complete this survey and make your voice heard.”
The confidential survey asks a number of detailed questions about the impact coronavirus has had, how helpful the Government’s response to date has been and what more could be done in the coming weeks and months.
“We are in a constant dialogue with Government on behalf of our wonderful business community and this survey will give us the information we need to ensure everything possible is being done to help the Marches,” Mrs Thorn added.
To take part in the survey visit https://www.marcheslep.org.uk/coronavirussurvey/

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The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership has now ceased trading and transferred all its functions to Shropshire Council working with Telford & Wrekin Council and Herefordshire Council, in line with the UK Government's plans for devolution.

The Marches LEP was established in 2011 and hands over an impressive legacy from its 13-year life. In that time the LEP invested over £196m in projects across the Marches, securing in excess of £100m of match funding and supported more than 66,000 business interactions.

The schemes supported have made tangible differences to local communities, increasing skills, creating jobs and improving the physical appearance of many towns.

We would like to thank all the LEP Board Members who have given their time freely over the life of the LEP, as well as all the staff who worked for the LEP over the years. We also want to thank our delivery partners, local education providers and local, regional and national stakeholders who helped us achieve so much.

The Marches Growth Hub will continue to support businesses and will be managed by Shropshire Council, supported by Telford and Wrekin and Herefordshire Councils. Each of the three Local Authorities will also continue to provide direct business support locally. Details of this support will be available through the Marches Growth Hub website and from the Local Authorities directly. Website: www.marchesgrowthhub.co.uk | email: enquiries@marchesgrowthhub.co.uk.

The Marches Careers Hub will continue to be delivered and will be managed by Shropshire Council, supported by Telford & Wrekin and Herefordshire Councils. Website: www.marchescareershub.co.uk | email: info@marchescareershub.co.uk

For any queries about Getting Building Fund (GBF), Local Growth Fund (LGF) and Marches Investment Fund (MIF) projects supported by the Marches LEP please contact: gary.spence@shropshire.gov.uk

For any finance queries please contact: michelle.hodgkiss@shropshire.gov.uk

The solvent liquidation of the Marches LEP is being managed by the Evelyn Partners Limited. For any matter related to this please contact: Camilla.Mulholland@evelyn.com

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