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Stakeholder Survey 2010

Our last stakeholder survey was conducted in March / April 2010. The headlines are below, and you can download the full report at the bottom of the page.

Survey Methodology

This survey was part of a regular programme to gather feedback from our stakeholders (both business and public sector) and was carried out previously in late 2008.

The survey was made up of over 400 interviews and was managed by an independent market research agency. The content and methodology of the 2010 survey was kept as consistent as possible with the 2008 one to ensure accurate trend data.

All feedback was anonymous from randomised samples, although we were able to know which stakeholder group the feedback came from. Obviously we did not know the names of the individual stakeholders who took part but many thanks if you did give your time and valuable feedback.

Key Headlines

1) Economic Climate

All stakeholders are much more optimistic about the economic prospects for the future now than in 2008. However this optimism is considerably more marked amongst business stakeholders than public sector stakeholders.

(71% of stakeholders think the economic situation will improve or stay stable over the next 12 months, as opposed to 42% in 2008.)

2) Satisfaction with RDA Relationship

The strong metrics on satisfaction with relationships reported in 2008 have improved further with 82% of stakeholders now very satisfied or satisfied with their RDA relationship (76% in 2008).

3) Satisfaction with Performance and Advocacy

Two-thirds of stakeholders are now satisfied with the RDA’s performance as opposed to around half in 2008. It has improved most for Local Authorities, Government & Political, and Strategic Businesses and is stable at 2008 levels for Strategic National Bodies and Small and Medium–Sized Businesses.

(66% of stakeholders are very or fairly satisfied with RDA performance, 52% in 2008)

More than half of our stakeholders would now speak highly of the RDA.

(53% would speak highly as opposed to 42% in 2008)

4) The Future

For the first time the 2010 survey asked for feedback on the future development of the regional economy. The findings were that there was strong agreement with the statements:

  • there are economic development issues that are better addressed between national and local level
    (71% of businesses agreed strongly/slightly, 70% for all other stakeholders)
  • there are benefits of scale and integration to be secured through working at a regional level
    (75% of businesses agreed strongly/slightly, 76% for all other stakeholders)
  • it is important that the South West can present a coherent and unified voice to Government (and the EU) on economic issues
    (87% of businesses agreed strongly/slightly, 77% of all other stakeholders).


For the statement 'RDAs have matured into effective regional bodies', 54% of all other stakeholders & 50% of businesses agreed strongly/slightly with this.

Thanks once again to all our stakeholders for their support on this project.

Documents to download

Download the full Stakeholder Survey 2010 report.

You can also download stakeholder quotes, this is a document which brings together a series of stakeholder quotes from open-ended questions in the 2010 survey that reflect the overall pattern of responses.

An aerial view of the coastline at Lyme Regis

Engineer inspecting metal component

Documents available to download on this page: