Majority of businesses rate Cherwell district as a great place to trade

Over 750 companies took part in a survey late last year

Over three-quarters of businesses in the Cherwell District have rated it as a good or very good location to do business.

Cherwell District Council commissioned online and telephone surveys during November and December last year asking businesses to share how they want to grow and what they need to help them achieve their goals.

Over 750 companies had their say and rated the district highly as a place to trade.   Only 4 per cent said it was poor.

Over one-third said that performance had improved over the last 12 months, and 37 per cent believed this would continue in 2024.

However, a lack of skilled labour was the most commonly mentioned constraint on growth, with nearly one-in-five businesses mentioning it.

The government-funded survey ran for over six weeks. It gathered information on the impacts of changing business conditions and views on skills, infrastructure, and sustainability. The survey also identified other factors affecting businesses, their potential growth and their ability to provide job opportunities to an increasing number of local residents.

Ian Boll, Corporate Director Communities, said: “It was exciting to see such a large and positive response from Cherwell businesses for this survey. We are dedicated to creating an enterprising economy that allows businesses to realise their potential through developing employee skills and encouraging innovation.

“This survey was a brilliant opportunity to hear first-hand from business owners and see where we can support local businesses to continue to grow and flourish. While identifying some challenges faced, the results were incredibly heartening and showed us the resilience and ability Cherwell businesses have to adapt to challenges and economic conditions.”

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Published: 18/04/2024 09:37am by Banbury FM Newsteam

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