A MAJOR survey of businesses across the Marches has revealed the full scale of the impact coronavirus is having on the region’s economy.

Nearly 98 per cent of the 400 businesses in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin who have responded to the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership survey say they have been been hit.

Many have been forced to shut down, suffered a total loss of revenue, had bookings cancelled or seen their supply chains collapse.

Nearly half have furloughed staff, and more than half are not eligible for the new small business grants.

It also reveals concerns about how banks are handling aspects of the Government’s support schemes, gaps in support which some businesses are falling through and delays in accessing loans and grants.

The LEP is urging more to take the survey so that it has comprehensive evidence to take to Government.

Chair Mandy Thorn said: “This is giving us a really clear picture of the state of the business economy across our region during this crisis.

“With the evidence we are gathering, we can lobby Government to ensure this region gets all the help and support it needs.”

“Our workload has reduced by 90 per cent so we have furloughed all but three of our workforce and closed the factory. Despite having no income we still have fixed costs so are worried about cash flow,” one business said.

Visit bit.ly/LEPsurvey for more.