Liverpool Remains Open for Businesss Despite 'The Great Recession'

Date: 19 April 2012

• Business satisfaction levels have been sustained despite the economic downturn
• Perceptions of quality and skills of workforce improve
• Businesses support city’s international agenda

The city-wide business survey, commissioned by Liverpool Vision, has shown that business satisfaction levels in the city have remained positive despite the persistent downturn in the economic climate.

The fifth annual independent Foundations For Growth survey, by 2020 Research, found that 65 percent of companies, when asked to rate Liverpool as a place to do business, scored the city as either four or five out five. Liverpool’s Business Satisfaction Index (BSI) has also remained resilient during the last 12 months, reaching a score of 6.78 out of a total mark of 10, matching last year’s results. The perception of quality and skills of the workforce has increased to 8.48, from 8.23 of last year.

Around 850 businesses across Liverpool were asked for their views on the importance and quality of eight key areas: skills; premises quality and cost; safety; cleanliness; business support; transport/accessibility and Local Authority services.

This year respondents were also asked where their suppliers for various professional services are based, with 58 percent stating that these services are sourced from within Liverpool. The survey also showed that attitudes towards Liverpool’s continued presence in London, Shanghai and the USA are extremely positive with 82 per cent of businesses who were aware of the offices stating that they felt this presence reflected well on the city and 36 per cent believed this presence will have a positive effect on their own business.

Cllr Joe Anderson, Leader of Liverpool City Council said: “The message is loud and clear: Liverpool is open for business.

“We have worked hard to present Liverpool to the world as a forward thinking, ambitious city. Liverpool’s successful GEC, our innovative Liverpool in London embassy and our knack for coming up with bold ideas has given us a reputation as a ‘can do’ city. This survey shows we’re on the right track.

“I want Liverpool to become the number one city in the UK where international entrepreneurs look to expand their businesses.”

Max Steinberg, chief executive of Liverpool Vision added: “Businesses are still facing tough times across the UK. However this survey demonstrates that Liverpool continues to provide a very good business environment.

Businesses feel strongly that Liverpool is a lively and vibrant place with a strong business community. This belief has not wavered despite cuts in public spending and the effects of the recession.

“This is an important survey as it allows us to clearly identify areas where improvements can be made and develop informed strategies to ensure continued improvement and increase our city’s competitiveness.

“We are currently rolling out the results of this survey to all partners including Liverpool City Council. We will then develop an action plan which will encourage the city’s key services and departments to make the necessary changes to further help and support businesses in the city”.

Other findings of the survey include:

• 69 per cent of businesses are expecting business growth over the next five years

• The cost and quality of premises was deemed to have improved rising from 6.94 to 7.05 for quality of premises and 5.99 to 6.08 for cost of premises.

ends

Notes to editors

• Liverpool Vision is the city’s economic development company which integrates economic and physical development and business and enterprise support designed to accelerate the city’s growth and build a sustainable economy. www.liverpoolvision.co.uk.

• The Foundations for Growth survey was undertaken and analysed by independent research consultancy 2020 Research on behalf of Liverpool Vision during (November 2011) using a telephone survey. This research was carried out in accordance with Market Research Society guidelines and consisted of 850 interviews with Liverpool businesses.

• The Foundations for Growth Business Satisfaction Index (BSI) is an index that is used year on year to monitor progress in Liverpool as a business destination.

• 2020 Research are an independent, full service market research consultancy founded in 1996. They have established a reputation for bringing clarity to their clients' business and research issues. 2020 Research work with both private and public organisations, across different business sectors, and provide a range of research services from full service programmes to consultancy inputs and field and data services. www.2020research.co.uk/home.html

• Full copies of the report download the document below.

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