Take the credit crunch survey
SMALL business owners are being urged to respond to a borough-wide survey to find out how the credit crunch is affecting their trade.
The findings, being put together by Parliamentary spokesman for the Liberal Democrats, David Kendall, will be used to lobby various government departments for help.
Councillor Kendall said he had been inspired to do the survey after scores of concerned business owners, fearful of their future, had contacted him.
He said: "Many local business people have told me how hard they are finding it to get bank credit and keep their businesses going. With our survey, we want to find out just how badly businesses are being hit.
"We will also be taking up issues with the local council, regional development agency and government departments.
"Small and medium firms are the backbone of the local economy and a huge number of local jobs depend on them. It is vital that we do all we can to ensure they survive the recession."
Mr Kendall owns and operates his own small business from his Brentwood base and is also a committee member of Brentwood Chamber of Commerce.