Mid Sussex MP Nicholas Soames has today published the results of his annual business survey. The Survey is sent by Nicholas to over 1125 local businesses each year and is used by him to ensure that he has a better understanding of the hopes, ambitions and worries of the businessmen and women he represents at Westminster.

This year, the survey concentrated on the impact of the recession, and on the steps the Government is taking and could take to help local business during the current challenges they face.

Commenting on the overall results, Mr Soames said;

"I think we all appreciate that the recession is taking a terrible toll both locally and nationally, but the results of my survey serve to drive this message home. Nine out of Ten people who responded have either been affected by the recession themselves, through their business or know someone who has been hurt. Over a fifth of businesses who replied are reducing the number of full time staff they employ, and over a quarter have seen a decline in their income.

"Asked about what the Government is doing, and what it could do to help them, six out of ten believe that the temporary cut in VAT did more harm than good. Overwhelmingly, the respondents to the survey would like to see the Government helping them by cutting Corporation Tax and National Insurance for small businesses.

"I am not surprised by the results of my business survey, and whilst I would never claim that it is a scientific poll, the results are certainly a reflection of the numerous conversations that I have had with our local business community in the last twelve months. For this reason I will be sending a copy of the results to Lord Mandelson, the Secretary of State at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and also to the Shadow Secretary of State for BIS, the Rt Hon Kenneth Clarke CQ MP and the Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne MP. " 

Click here to download Business Survey Results 2009