A SURVEY into the impact and recovery of Covid-19 on businesses has been launched, with all urged to take part.

Commissioned by Cumbria County Council, all six District Councils, Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership and Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, the 2020 Cumbria Business Survery aims to provide data on the county's performance, as well as assess how business owners are respodning to the pandemic.

More than 2,000 businesses will be interviewed across all sectors, with BMG Research ringing round the county from today (September 21).

The survey will cover topics including business performance, the drivers and barriers to growth, business support services, trade and connectivity, innovation, digital services, skills, low carbon, EU exit and the overall impact of Covid-19.

Jo Lappin, chief executive of Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “It is really important that businesses know that this is a genuine survey and I would really like to encourage any businesses that are approached to take part in this.

"The responses that they provide will help shape strategy and policy development and decision making in the months and years ahead."

She continued: "I very much appreciate the pressure that our businesses and organisations are currently under, but we’d very much like to enlist their help with this important data gathering exercise, so that all organisations are represented and their interests are served, going forward.

"The answers provided are completely confidential – the commissioning partners only receive aggregated findings, not individual responses.

"This information is really important in understanding the economic picture at both sectoral and area level, which in the present climate, will support our mitigation activities and inform future business recovery activity in relation to Covid-19.

“I would therefore encourage all businesses that are asked to complete the survey to take part, so that we are able to provide a comprehensive and accurate picture on what is happening in Cumbria’s economy."

Cumbria County Council cabinet member for economic development and property, David Southward, said: “We’re working with Cumbria LEP, district councils and the Chamber of Commerce to support businesses across Cumbria and to understand the impacts of the pandemic.

"This survey will inform how we all continue to work together to do the best for businesses and the local economy.

"If you are contacted please take 20 minutes to support this important survey.”

Carlisle City Councillor Paul Nedved, portfolio holder for Economy, Enterprise and Housing, added: “We’re delighted to be supporting this survey and would encourage local businesses to take part if they are contacted.

"It’s important that we get to hear the issues affecting businesses so that we can work together to provide the most appropriate support.

"Thanks to all those involved in drawing this together.”

For more details, contact Ginny Murphy at Cumbria County Council by email at ginny.murphy@cumbria.gov.uk, or Emma Osborne at BMG Research at cumbria@bmgresearch.com.