The launch of the Countryside Alliance Rural Shop Survey

COVID-19 has been a difficult time for many rural businesses. Whether you have had to adapt your business, furlough staff or respond to an unprecedented demand for your services, the one thing we all know is that the dedication and hard work that has been going on behind the scenes to keep the show on the road has been a herculean effort.

We have also seen many acts of heroism - from small acts of kindness that put a smile on someone's face, to bringing the whole community together. The support that you have offered to others and the role you play in your community cannot be underestimated. You might not be working on the NHS front line but you are certainly are on the front line for our rural communities.

As we continue to live under restrictions, there are some glimmers of a return to a different kind of normality, although this is still many months away. In the meantime, we want to be able to help you, make sure you're ok and getting the support that you need, and ensuring that your hard work is recognised.

We would be very grateful if you would take this two-minute survey to help us establish a picture of how you have met these challenges over the last nine months. The information gathered in this survey will be used to promote the importance of buying local, to address the state of business health in rural areas and will be presented to government to ensure they understand the needs, concerns, and priorities of rural businesses at this time.

Without your feedback we are unable to make your voice heard in government and ensure that you are getting the right support that will help you to continue serving your community in the best way you can.

This survey will close on Monday 30th November and you can access the survey here.