Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry has opened the 2017 Q4 Economic Survey. Responses from businesses across Dorset – large or small – are urgently required to identify key issues and provide an insight into the economic climate within the county.
Last month the Chamber had nearly 100 responses giving an insight as to key issues for Dorset businesses as well as being part of the largest regular national survey.
To complete this two-minute business survey and also see all the results to date visit https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/DorsetChamberQES4
The survey closes on 27th December. All those who take part will be entered in a prize draw for the chance to two football tickets for Bournemouth V Stoke City match on 3 February 2018. This has been kindly donated by Premier Partners, AFC Bournemouth.
Summarizing 2017 first quarter results
Dorset Chamber reports findings at both a national and Dorset level. Anne Gray of Dorset County Council kindly prepares an analysis of the Dorset results. A summary of the 2017 Q1 Dorset report is as follows:
- The Q1 survey identified Dorset businesses continue to feel positive about the economic climate with more than half of 108 respondents reporting the climate good or strong and just over a third stating the climate is OK. This was an increase on the previous quarter.
- Domestic sales increased over the quarter with more respondents reported improved sales than worsening. Export sales remained positive with more exporters reporting improving sales thank worsening. Export orders were also positive and nationally, manufacturers saw an improvement over the previous quarter.
- 62%of employers attempted to recruit in the quarter and still report recruitment difficulties, particularly for professional and managerial positions.
- Top priorities for Dorset businesses are gaining more customers, growing their business, raising their profile, recruiting good staff and developing skills in the business. Local issues and concerns include business rates, competition, skills gaps and recruitment, legislation and regulation and leaving the EU.