A SURVEY of companies is being carried out to establish economic health and trends in part of Kent.

A 16-point questionnaire has been sent to 3,500 organisations by C4B (Canterbury 4 Business) and the city council’s local economy team, asking for feedback on a variety of economic issues, including their experience of dealing with local businesses.

Key topics raised will, where possible, be taken up by the council and C4B to be addressed as policy issues.

C4B chairman, Paul Barrett, said: "As the 'voice for business', C4B needs to know what really matters to local companies, to enable us to lobby for improvements on their behalf.

"We hope all our members and anyone else who owns or runs a business in Canterbury district will spare a few minutes to take part in this important survey and share their views with us and the city council, so that we can all work together to maximise economic opportunities and build a secure future for businesses."

Information given in the survey is treated as confidential. It will be retained by the council’s local economy team and only be analysed for statistical purposes.

The findings of the survey will be announced at a C4B event later in the year and published in the next edition of the council’s Business Life newsletter.

Council executive member for regeneration and economic development, Cllr John Gilbey, said: "Local businesses are very important to the city council and we want to help them thrive.

"We need your views and feedback in order to enhance our services to the local economy."

Businesses that complete the survey will have their names entered into a prize draw, sponsored by Whitstable-based company, Acceleron Group Ltd.

Surveys need to be completed and returned by October 20.

Any businesses that have not received their survey form and would like to take part can complete the form online at www.business.canterbury.gov.uk or contact 01227 862532.

Companies that have not yet become C4B associate members can sign up online by going to www.canterbury4business.co.uk.