A detailed survey carried out last year has put the spotlight on the key concerns and issues facing over 4,000 local businesses in Suffolk Coastal and its findings will be used to ensure they get more of the support they want and need.

The Business Needs Research Report was commissioned by the Suffolk Coastal Business Forum, with support from Suffolk Coastal District Council, and its results have just been published.

“This report offers a fascinating snapshot of what businesses across our district were thinking, and facing up to, last year. We at the Business Forum will be working with our partners to use the results to build on the existing strengths of local businesses and try to provide the services and support that they need,” said Nick Boulter, Chairman of the Suffolk Coastal Business Forum.

The survey highlights skill shortages in the agricultural, hospitality and logistics sectors, with businesses criticising the levels of numeracy and literacy among local applicants. There was also a reported mismatch between local training and education and what local employers actually need. Some businesses reported that is why they recruit migrant workers from Australia, New Zealand and Eastern Europe. There was also seen to be a shortage of business space and warehousing, particularly in the Felixstowe area.

Businesses were struggling to cope with a tripling in their energy/utility costs, and also thought that health and safety regulations were too onerous, although they seem better able to cope with current employment laws.

“Among the areas where they felt they needed more help or support are planning regulations, recycling, marketing, and IT/website development, while there was a general request for more help during the early months of going into business.  

"This survey covered all types and sizes of businesses, and many of them reported that they had no business plan or strategy in place, although they recognised the need for one. This could well be another area where we need to offer more advice and support,” added Mr Boulter.

The initial report was revealed at workshops held at last year’s Suffolk Coastal Local Strategic Partnership Forum which was attended by over 130 people from across the community, including local councils, businesses, services, voluntary organisations, and young people.

“This is probably the most detailed research that has ever been produced about this district’s businesses and I am pleased that my Council was able to work in partnership with the Suffolk Coastal Business Forum to get it done,” said Cllr Colin Hart, Cabinet Member for Economic Development.

“There are a number of organisations offering support and advice to businesses in our district. The challenge for them all is now to tailor their activities to best meet the needs of our businesses in the future. We all want the same goal of a stronger local economy with prospering businesses and more jobs for local people,” added Cllr Hart.

The Business Needs survey was carried out between April and June last year. It can be found on www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk/yourbusiness/forum

The Suffolk Coastal Business Forum was founded in 1991 enabling the Council consult with representatives of the business community about its yearly spending plans. It has a genuine influence on Council policy and was relaunched in 2006.

The Forum is keen to ensure that its membership remains truly representative of existing support structures such as the Chambers of Trade and Commerce, but also of the various business sectors in our community: agriculture, tourism, energy, telecommunications and geographical coverage of the whole of the Suffolk Coastal district. It wants to recruit new members to fill identified gaps.
 
For more information email its Chair, Nick Boulter at nick@suffolkcoastalbusinessforum.org.uk or call 07720 349222 or contact the Forum's administrator Hazel Das on 01728 602876 or hazel.das@eidosnet.co.uk