Survey gives 'valuable feedback' on challenges facing businesses in Highlands and Islands
A survey of 1000 firms across the Highlands and Islands has provided "valuable feedback" on the challenges facing businesses against a backdrop of Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic
Carried out in February, and covering a variety of sectors, it is the 18th Business Panel Survey commissioned over the past six years by development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
It looks at topics such as economic confidence, workforce, risks, opportunities and international trade.
The findings reveal that economic confidence remains low, but less so than in previous surveys carried out over the past year.
The survey also shows that Covid-19 and the potential for future lockdown restrictions is considered the main risk facing most businesses in the next six months.
Martin Johnson, HIE’s director of strategy and regional economy, said: “We are extremely grateful to all those who have taken part in the survey. Once again, they have provided some really valuable feedback and detailed insights into the challenges and opportunities facing businesses in the region.
“We already know that the Highlands and Islands has been disproportionately affected by the pandemic and that Brexit is also likely to have a bigger impact on the region than many other parts of the UK.
"The feedback received through the business panel surveys helps to inform decisions on how support should be tailored to best meet the region’s needs and maximise our opportunities.”
The full survey report is available on the research and reports section of HIE’s website.