A new survey to help local authorities understand the challenges small business owners are facing, and how they can best support them is underway - and the council needs your thoughts.

Now in its third year, the survey has been developed with input from the Somerset Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses and will give valuable insight into current business challenges, such as inflationary pressures, supply chain issues, higher borrowing costs, ongoing recruitment and skills concerns, and the journey to net zero carbon emissions.

In addition to providing much-needed intelligence about the position of the Somerset economy, the responses will be used to inform future targeted business support programmes.

The 2022 launch is a shared initiative between Somerset County Council, Mendip District Council, Sedgemoor District Council, Somerset West & Taunton Council, and South Somerset District Council. 

On 1st April 2023, a new unitary Somerset Council will replace the County Council and the four district councils. From that date, there will be several benefits, including greater joint working and consistency across the county to ensure businesses are supported and the local Somerset economy prospers.

Cllr Val Keitch, Somerset County Council Executive Lead Member for Local Government Organisation and Prosperity, said: "By completing this survey, you can help us shape Somerset Councils' joint approach to backing businesses. It only takes 10 minutes but can make a real difference. The survey is anonymous and no personal data will be shared with anyone outside of Somerset's Local Authorities."

Want to get involved? You can find the survey here.