COMPANIES responding to a unique survey by the Haven Gateway Partnership highlighted a number of key advantages to doing business in the subregion - and also made their priorities clear in terms of where they would like to see future investments and improvements.

Respondents listed the Haven Gateway's geographic location, lower property prices and close proximity to London, a normally vibrant local economy and potential for expansion as some of the main business advantages of operating in the Haven Gateway.

"Business has a desire to spend locally rather than support the national brands in all transactions," said one respondent. Others highlighted the attractions of a strong port at Felixstowe and international airport at Stansted, the huge diversity of businesses and skills, lower costs and a pleasant environment.

There were also some good levels of confidence in the face of recession, with 37% of businesses responding expecting an increase in turnover in the next six months and 43% expecting levels to stay the same, while only 20% expected a decrease in turnover.

Thirty-seven per cent had implemented green/environmental actions in their businesses over the past six months, and the same proportion, 37%, is intending to make further investments in technology over the next six months. Forty-three per cent are intending to introduce innovations in products/services, supply chain management or human resource management in the next half-year.

Among concerns, respondents listed business confidence levels generally and lack of investment opportunities because of the recession.

The biggest perceived "threat" to business growth was regulation, with 65% of respondents highlighting this issue. However, more than half mentioned "inadequate road infrastructure", 18% said inadequate rail infrastructure, and over one-third said there were not enough technical/skilled staff available.

While 63% knew about public funding to support training, more than half did not know about other types of public funding support.

This was the first business survey of its type by the Haven Gateway and it will help in planning for the future needs of the subregion.

Welcoming the response from businesses to the survey, Haven Gateway Chief Executive David Ralph said: "Those responding had a clear idea of the advantages of working in the subregion, but they also told us what needs to be done.

"We will continue to work to deliver solutions to those needs. The survey will clearly help the Haven Gateway in planning for the subregion's future developments and investment priorities.