BUSINESSES of all sizes from across Cornwall are being encouraged to take part in a survey which will help shape the activities of the new Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

The partnership was established last year as one of the first new regional business bodies of its kind given the go-ahead by the Government.

Led by the private sector, it brings together local businesses and local authorities to lead on strategic business projects.

A strategy setting out what the LEP hopes to achieve is being drawn up and the partnership board is keen to have input from those in the business community to ensure it is providing help and support where it is needed most.

To get those views, the LEP has set up a short online survey which gives business people the chance to influence its work.

Board member Simon Tregoning said: "We really want to get this information from businesses across Cornwall – without it we are walking around in the dark.

"We want to know what businesses are looking to do, whether they want to expand, whether they want to create new jobs and what help and support they might need to do that.

Information

"We are not making any promises but, if we have the information about what is required by businesses, we can make sure that our efforts are being directed in the right way."

The LEP has been taking part in roadshows across Cornwall to meet businesses, which has provided some feedback, but the board wants to get more.

Mr Tregoning said: "I realise that those running businesses are very busy – they all have their day jobs – but all we want is a few minutes of their time to fill in a short survey.

"They don't have to complete the whole survey, just whichever parts they want to.

"A small amount of information is better than none at all."

He added: "We can't promise to fix anything as there are limited resources but, as a strategic body, we could do something to help Cornwall's business activity."

Since its formation, the LEP has helped lead a successful bid for an enterprise zone to be created at Newquay Cornwall Airport which is aiming to bring new investment into Cornwall and create hundreds of jobs.

Mr Tregoning added: "Once we have received feedback from businesses we can then look at that information and, hopefully, use it to create some real opportunities to provide support and help which will enable businesses in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to grow."

To take part in the survey, and find out more about the partnership, visit its website cornwallandislesofscillylep.com