Businesses across Greater Lincolnshire are being invited to contribute their opinions on the state of the road and rail networks across the Midlands as part of a major research study being carried out by Midlands Connect.

A new initiative supported by the region’s Local Enterprise Partnerships, Midlands Connect aims to identify and then realise transport connectivity improvements which the region requires to maximise long-term economic growth.

Congestion, delays, overcrowding and poor services threaten the economic potential of the Midlands, which is why Midlands Connect is undertaking research to  understand how organisations in the region do business and what impact the current transport infrastructure has on their productivity.

Ruth Carver, Director of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, said: “It is vitally important that businesses in Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire are represented in this valuable study.

“Their responses will equip us with the evidence necessary to raise an effective case for investment with Government.

“The Midlands has huge economic potential and the contribution that Greater Lincolnshire makes to this shouldn’t be underestimated.

“The Chancellor George Osborne launched the Midlands Engine for Growth at the start of this month and we want to work with the Government to turn this ambition into reality.

“We outlined last year our ambitious plans for continued growth in the region through our Strategic Economic Plan, and to successfully realise these we need to ensure that the transport infrastructure is improved to maximise connectivity and unlock opportunities for growth.

“For this reason I would urge local business to take the time to contribute to this survey.”

Initial research by Midlands Connect has identified a key growth corridor between Lincoln and Nottingham. “This is certainly good news: growth hubs tend to be the major cities but we are identified as having key employment sites along these corridors,” Ruth added.

Businesses have until 30th June 2015 to take part. The survey can be found here: www.surveymonkey.com/r/Z6JYJT3