Northamptonshire businesses to influence £50bn regional economic strategy
More than 1,500 businesses across the region are being called upon to define the economic trajectory of the South Midlands. The South Midlands Authorities have officially launched the eighth edition of the South Midlands Business Survey, a strategic initiative designed to align local government support with the actual needs of the private sector.
This large-scale consultation aims to gather granular data from firms of all sizes. The focus remains on identifying current economic challenges, barriers to scaling, specific skills gaps, and the types of practical support required to sustain growth. As one of the most productive areas in the UK, the South Midlands generates more than £50 billion for the national economy annually, making the accuracy of this data a priority for regional planning.
Survey launch for regional economic insight
The South Midlands Authorities use this biennial exercise to ensure that policy decisions are rooted in the lived experience of local employers. By participating, business owners provide the evidence base needed to secure government funding and design regional interventions. The survey covers a broad spectrum of the economy, ensuring that the voices of small startups are weighed alongside those of major industrial employers.
Insight collected during this period will directly influence how resources are allocated for infrastructure, workforce development, and innovation grants. The goal is to create a business environment that can withstand national economic fluctuations while capitalising on the region’s specific strengths in logistics, high-performance engineering, and professional services.
Impact of previous business feedback
The utility of this data is evidenced by the success of previous survey cycles. Following the 2021 edition, feedback regarding the need for advanced management training and direct financial assistance led to the creation of the Growth Curve programme. Funded by the European Regional Development Fund, this initiative provided university-led training and one-to-one consultancy to over 300 organisations.
The Growth Curve programme demonstrated how survey responses translate into tangible business support, offering access to funding that might otherwise have been unavailable. The 2026 survey seeks to replicate this success by identifying the next generation of support requirements as the region transitions into new technological and regulatory landscapes.
Timeline and methodology for 2026 data collection
Public Perspectives Ltd, an independent market research provider, has been appointed to conduct the research to ensure data integrity and confidentiality. The data collection phase is scheduled to run from May 2026 through to July 2026.
A representative sample of businesses will be contacted directly to participate. The South Midlands Authorities have confirmed that the findings will be made public later in the year, providing a comprehensive snapshot of the regional economy that can be used by both the public sector and private investors to inform their 2027 strategies.
Source: North Northamptonshire Council
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