The fieldwork for the Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) for quarter 3 has begun, and I’d like to encourage local firms to share their views.

Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce received a staggering 636 responses from businesses in the two counties in the last quarter, placing us at the top of the national league table.

The survey is a leading indicator at a national level – closely monitored by the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee as a key benchmark when setting interest rates. Results from the QES are also used to forecast economic performance by HM Treasury and the Independent Office for Budget responsibility.

The QES takes about three minutes to complete, and asks respondents to provide information about their domestic sales, exports, recruitment and the main factors affecting their business. This important research ensures that local businesses’ views are taken seriously by government, and obtaining more responses guarantees that the needs of firms in the two counties continue to be well represented.

Businesses have until Monday 17 September to complete the survey. Please visit surveymonkey.co.uk/r/3QES to share your views.

I’d like to invite business leaders across Herefordshire and Worcestershire to attend the Chamber’s Annual Bank of England Breakfast to meet with and hear from Graeme Chaplin, the Bank of England’s Agent for the West Midlands. The event will take place between 7.30am-9.30am on Friday, September 28, at The Courtyard in Hereford. Graeme will join us to give his annual update on the Bank of England’s latest economic forecasts, and he will explain the role of the Bank in promoting stability in the UK financial sector post-Brexit.

This is an extremely popular event with limited spaces now remaining – Please book early to avoid disappointment. Members of H&W Chamber are able to attend the event free of charge, and for Non-members the cost is £17.50+VAT. To secure your place, visit hwchamber.co.uk/events/events-calendar.