Push for responses for inaugural Scotland-wide rural survey

Businesses in rural areas of the South of Scotland are being reminded of the importance of taking part in a nationwide rural business survey.  

The fieldwork for the survey, which began in October this year, is being conducted by independent research specialist Ipsos MORI – who are contacting businesses across rural Scotland to ask their opinions on topics such as economic confidence and business performance. 

Participants are also asked to give their views on their current concerns - such as financing, increased costs, supply chain issues and labour challenges. 

On back of Glasgow’s hosting of COP26 last week, the survey is also seeking to find out more about the actions businesses are taking to move towards low carbon ways of working. 

 The findings of this research will be used by Scottish Government, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) to inform future policy and support economic recovery and growth across rural Scotland. 

More information on SOSE’s Business Panel is available.

Professor Russel Griggs OBE, SOSE Chair

“If contacted, I would encourage any businesses or social enterprises in the South of Scotland that have not taken part in the Rural Business Survey yet to please take the time to do so. 

 “This is your opportunity to be heard and give views which can help us, and our partners, to better understand the issues on the ground - and therefore be better equipped to respond to them. 

 “We are always extremely grateful for the effort people put into their responses - and we truly believe that the feedback we receive can make the South of Scotland a better business environment for everyone.”