Business owners are being invited to give their views to help influence the future direction of a local council.

The Invest in South Lakeland economic development team at South Lakeland District Council has launched its annual South Lakeland Business Premises Survey.

The survey is designed to provide an up-to-date local assessment of business needs over the next 12 months.

The council says the surveys, which are posted out to more than 4,600 South Lakeland businesses on its business rates database, reveal useful information about firms which are expanding, downsizing or making premises available.

It can also be used to identify businesses which might need help.

People can complete the survey online at www.investinsouthlakeland.co.uk/survey or www.southlakeland.gov.uk/business-and-trade/business-premises-search or return the survey by post or email.

Anyone who is running a small business from home, and not currently paying business rates, is also welcome to take part.

The survey runs until the deadline of January 15.

Matt Williams, SLDC’s economic development team manager, said: “Gathering the views of members of the South Lakeland business community is vitally important to us so we have a clear, first hand and informed picture of the issues and an indication of future plans, which enables us to offer support and informs our strategies and policies planning for the future.”