The Council has published the results of this year’s local business survey using a sample of the local business community to gather intelligence and test the local business environment.
The original survey was carried out in March in partnership with Bedford Borough Council.
Of the 252 interviews conducted, 80 per cent of interviewees were from micro businesses.
Questions focused on training and skills, business performance, business support, broadband and innovation. The survey also tried to gage business views on the Council’s business engagement and how the town serves them as a business.
Key results include:
- 35% report an improvement in business in past 12 months
- 42% anticipate improvement in business performance in the next 12 months.
- 88% are satisfied with the location of their business
- 32% have innovated in some way in the past 12 months.
Cllr Sian Timoney, portfolio holder for Regeneration, said: “We are doing everything we can to support local businesses. These survey results are very encouraging, particularly in view of the UK’s current financial climate. It’s good to see businesses in Luton performing well with anticipation of business improvement really high.”
The results will help the Council to:
- identify trends over the last three years and analyse local business performance
- provide direction on what business support is needed by local businesses
- help determine the priorities for economic development
- help to focus resources towards the needs of businesses.