Dorset LEP launches coronavirus business impact survey

Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has launched an online survey to find out what kind of impact the current coronavirus pandemic is having on local businesses. 

The short survey is open to businesses of all sizes, the self-employed, and charities in Dorset. 

It aims to understand the impact COVID-19 is having on business operations across the county. 

In recent weeks, the LEP’s business support function, Dorset Gateway – working with Dorset Chamber – has been handling a significant increase in the number of enquiries from businesses, business owners and the self-employed in Dorset in response to COVID-19.

Key challenges which businesses have been encountering include accessing financial support through government grants and loans, and supporting employees through measures such as the new coronavirus job retention scheme and changes to statutory sick pay.

‘This survey is important in allowing us to identify sectors in Dorset which may need specific support or assistance so that we can tailor it to best meet the needs of the region’s businesses,’ said Dorset Gateway manager, Finn Morgan. 

‘The results we gather will help us advise the government as they develop current, and future, COVID-19 business support measures. We’re also keen to hear from businesses that are adapting their products and services as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.’

Dorset LEP’s director, Lorna Carver, added: ‘At this extremely difficult time we want to make sure that businesses, their employees and the self-employed, have access to the full range of information and support on offer to help them. 

‘The additional resources we have invested into the Dorset Gateway service is one of what may be a number of measures above and beyond those introduced by the government that we introduce to help Dorset’s businesses manage and recover from this current crisis.’

Last month, the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) announced it had joined forces with councils to co-ordinate the local response to the economic impact of the coronavirus.

To complete the online survey, click here.

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