IPPR North is conducting research with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the North of England, and would like to encourage businesses across the North to take part.

IPPR North is a charity, and a think tank, with offices in Manchester and Newcastle, which carries out research on a wide range of issues relevant to the north of England and convene national and local decision-makers to influence public policy. Further information is available at ippr.org/north

Their current research project looks at how to support small and medium-sized businesses (0-249 employees) in the North to become more productive. They want to understand the barriers they currently face and how policy at a local and national level can better support them to survive and thrive. To do this they are inviting SMEs to complete their online survey - via this link: https://goo.gl/forms/SmYpsj4uEoXpUQtc2. The survey is now live and will be open until mid-April.

Alongside the survey, they are also running focus groups for SME leaders in the North of England. One of these will take place at Cumbria LEP’s Office, Redhills, Penrith, CA11 0DT on Tuesday 2 April, from 14:00 – 15:30. SMEs who are interested in participating should contact Anna Round ([email protected]).