One-third of Somerset businesses unaffected by recession, says survey

One in three businesses in Somerset has been unaffected by the recession, a new survey has revealed.

Inward investment organisation Into Somerset says this demonstrates continuing confidence and strategic planning among a sizeable section of the countyís businesses.

Acting Chief Executive Officer Rupert Cox says, ìSomerset business services sector is well-known for its entrepreneurial and innovative spirit.

The growing sector is attracting large numbers of high-value micro-businesses that make up the majority of the countyís thriving knowledge economy. The secret of success for our business services companies is that they offer top-quality services, rivalling big city firms.

ìSomerset offers exciting business and lifestyle opportunities for mobile, knowledge-based professionals, for example, those involved with accountancy, law, and a range of technical professions. Many are 25-44 year olds who have the freedom to choose where they want to work and live with their families.î

Bodmin-based PFA Research polled 170 businesses across the South West, including Somerset, at the end of January, following the announcement that the UK is officially in recession.

The survey, called South West Business Pulse, found that 32% of Somerset businesses polled are yet to feel the effects of the credit crunch. It also showed that 29% of businesses would definitely or probably increase their low-cost Internet marketing.

Somerset business Tickbox Marketing Limited, believes that planning is the key to beating the recession. Managing Director Claire Sully says, ìTimes are challenging, but there are also a lot of opportunities out there.

ìAt Tickbox Marketing, we started planning for this downturn more than a year ago - we revisited our business plan and made changes to our strategy.

ìWe are now experiencing four times the level of business due to being flexible with our business model. Businesses should be focused on the opportunities, not just battening down the hatches and waiting for the recession to pass.î

Into Somerset is the countyís new inward investment organisation. Funded by the local authorities and chaired by Honor Chapman CBE, the first CEO of Think London, the project brings together the public and private sector to promote Somerset as a thriving business destination.

Honor says, ìInto Somerset is an innovative project encouraging inward investment and promoting indigenous business growth with the message that Somerset offers a wonderful lifestyle and opportunities for business development.î