The business survey conducted for the Goudhurst Neighbourhood Plan in between the 14th May and 30th June 2017. There were 58 respondents to the questionnaire representing an estimated 50% of businesses in the Parish.
The results are being exhibited in St Mary’s Church from 24th July and in Christ Church from 9th August until early September. The results are summarised below.
Responses were received from across the Parish from the borders at Marden and Wadhurst.
There is a broad spread of businesses in the Parish with Consulting/Design representing the largest group.
The majority of businesses own their own premises with few renting or leasing their premises
Although some will require additional space 64% of businesses will not require additional premises in the next 5 years.
As in the residents survey the preference for development is to use existing sites (agricultural or brownfield sites) ahead of greenfield.
Although better broadband and mobile coverage are needing improvement unlike the residents survey these are not at the top of the list with improved transport links and local skills directory are more important to local business.
Although businesses employ staff within the parish it represents less than 20% of the total.
The majority of our businesses will be looking for new staff over the combining years.
One of the questions was to ask what influenced businesses to choose Goudhurst as their future base. From the results it is clear that availability of premises is a key factor being close to home is the major driver for local business leaders.
Click here for a full copy of the Business Questionnaire Analysis.