South Yorkshire Businesses Invited to Share Growth Ambitions in Latest Quarterly Economic Survey

Run by the region's three Chambers of Commerce—Doncaster, Sheffield, and Barnsley & Rotherham—the survey aims to build a clearer picture of current business conditions and better understand companies’ future growth plans.

The QES is the UK's largest independent business survey and serves as a critical barometer for the local economy. Its findings inform policymakers at all levels, including the Bank of England, HM Treasury, and local authorities, helping to shape support structures for the business community.

This quarter's survey includes standard questions on sales, exports, recruitment, and investment, along with a special focus on business growth strategies and challenges. Previous QES results have been instrumental in highlighting issues such as skills shortages, innovation barriers, and access to finance, leading to targeted interventions by regional stakeholders.

Encouraging businesses to complete the survey, the respective chief executives for all three regional chambers of commerce (covering Doncaster, Sheffield and Barnsley & Rotherham) issued the following joint statement:

"These are challenging times for businesses and voluntary organisations. Rising costs and global turbulence contribute to economic uncertainty, leading many in South Yorkshire to scale back their growth ambitions.

"Based on previous QES results, we've relayed these challenges not just to South Yorkshire's Mayor and Council Leaders, but also to central government, including Secretaries of State and, during a recent visit to Doncaster Sheffield Airport, the Prime Minister.

"Understanding the fragility of the economy, we're working with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority to delve deeper into businesses' growth intentions, including in overseas markets. The insights gained will inform future business support initiatives and bolster the region's reputation as a prime location for business.

"The outcomes of our recent planning survey are already aiding public sector partners in enhancing their planning departments. We anticipate this survey will have a similarly positive impact. We urge businesses to help us help them by completing this important survey."

The Business Growth Survey is sponsored by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and will remain open until Monday 9th June. Open to all businesses in South Yorkshire, regardless of Chamber membership, you can participate in the South Yorkshire Quarterly Economic Survey here.