Chamber launches latest quarterly survey – with £150 pub voucher up for grabs
A £150 voucher to spend at the newly-refurbish The Bull’s Head at Earlswood is up for grabs for respondents to Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s latest Quarterly Business Report survey.
The survey for Q2 is now live, which each participant being entered into a prize draw.
The report, sponsored by Birmingham City University, is the most comprehensive regular report of its kind in the city-region, offering an up-to-date snapshot of the performance of the Greater Birmingham business community.
As well as gathering data on key indicators such as sales, exports, investment intentions and the workforce, the GBCC has collaborated with B13 to gain insights into software development in the region, as part of their mission to redefine software development for non-technical innovators.
Survey data will be collated at a national level and will feed into policy and lobbying activity for both GBCC and the British Chambers of Commerce, reaching institutions such as the Government and the Bank of England.
On average, the survey takes around five minutes to complete.
Participants will also be entered into a prize draw to have the chance to win a £150 voucher for The Bull’s Head, Earlswood (terms and conditions apply).
Raj Kandola, the GBCC’s director of external affairs, said: “Last quarter’s survey results pointed to a challenging business environment, with domestic sales seeing a slight decline compared to stronger figures at the end of 2024.
“Businesses also continued to face difficulties in export markets, likely influenced by the anticipated tariff announcements from the US, which encouraged a more cautious approach to global trade.
“The impact of recent government announcements, particularly the Employment Rights Bill and the Autumn Budget, was clear in the responses. Over a third of businesses cited rising labour costs as a key concern, while just over a quarter highlighted taxation.
“Still, there were signs of resilience within the workforce. Q1 saw relative stability in headcount, a modest increase in firms looking to recruit, and a welcome drop in the proportion reporting recruitment challenges.
“Nevertheless, it remains to be seen how businesses will respond as increased taxation and new employment laws take effect.”
“It's vital that we hear from as many firms as possible so we can properly assess the impact these political and economic developments are having on the local business landscape.
“Our findings are also shared with key Government contacts at the Treasury and the Bank of England, so your response will have a direct impact on Government policy at the highest level.”
