en-gb http://www.businessdevon.net/ http://www.businessdevon.net/directory/news-article/id/1.html <p> <strong>New Devon business survey reveals issues and opportunities<br /> </strong> </p> <p> A survey of businesses in rural Devon has shown that around half would like to expand through the development of new products or services, but many are not able to due to difficulties obtaining finance and finding sufficient time. More than half perceive their market to lie solely within the county, and only one in ten sees a market outside the UK, with poor road access highlighted as a particular constraint on competitiveness. In addition one in three businesses does not use broadband, and a third of those don&rsquo;t use a computer at all. Four out of five identified that they would need increased IT skills in the next three years. </p> <p> The comprehensive survey, of more than 3,500 businesses, was commissioned by Devon Renaissance, the rural regeneration partnership organisation for the county, in partnership with local authorities.&nbsp; It covers a wide range of issues that face businesses in this area, including business planning, ICT usage, perceptions of markets and competition and skills training.&nbsp; </p> <p> Wholesale and retail businesses form the biggest sector in the county, at 23 per cent - almost double the national average of 13 per cent; second were agricultural businesses, at 15 per cent five times the national average of three percent, illustrating the unique nature of the business stock in Devon. </p> <p> Most businesses tend to rely on informal or internal methods of training staff, and one in five provides no training for staff at all. </p> <p> Liz Abell, project co-ordinator for Devon Renaissance, said the survey revealed important information which would help them and other organisations to address the needs of rural businesses in the county. We now have a very detailed understanding of the needs of businesses, and it presents us with many challenges in order to help resolve these issues,&rdquo; she said. </p> <p> We are delighted that so many businesses took part in the survey around one in four of those approached and we will now aim to support projects that deal with the issues raised which will help Devon&rsquo;s businesses grow and prosper. </p> <p> The full results and an executive summary of the survey can be found on the Devon Renaissance website <a href="http://www.ruraldevon.org/">www.ruraldevon.org</a> <br /> </p>