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The questionnaire is being organised by social enterprise The Engine, which advises and empowers local businesses and operates The Escape Room in Dursley.
It is hoped that the results will shape future provision and ensure that infrastructure grows to meet local needs.
Supported by Dursley Town Council and Cam Parish Council, the scheme also aims to identify the support and facilities needed to help a variety of local businesses thrive.
The census which closes on Monday, June 5 has already been distributed to some 800 businesses and ties in with recently analysed 2021 local data.
The questionnaire results will eventually be published later in the summer.
The Engine director Charlie Marwood said: “This initial report highlights how much the world of work has changed – particularly since COVID-19.
“We are contacting businesses local to Cam and Dursley, encouraging them to complete this confidential online survey, in order to assist our understanding of local enterprise needs.
“The results of which will then be able to feed back to our local community and wider stakeholders to ensure a thriving local economy based on local information and support.
“This week letters will be arriving by royal mail to some 800 businesses that we have identified, and we hope they and any others that read this, based in our locality will respond.
“We need your feedback to help us shape future provision and ensure we grow an infrastructure of support that meets local needs.
“Please scan the QR code to do the online survey. Responses close on Monday, June 5 and will be included in a prize draw to show our appreciation of your support.”
Analysing data from 2021
Charlie added: “According to a recent report analysing 2021 census data, more than one third of the working population in the Cam and Dursley area (39 per cent) worked from home, two and a half times greater than 10 years previously.
“The increase is not surprising, given that the census was conducted whilst COVID-19 restrictions continued to be in place. It is one of a number of fascinating insights revealed by the report prepared by The Engine.
“The report also estimates that as a result of increased home working the average distance a local resident travels to work has fallen by almost a half, to around 10 km (8 miles).
“There have also been some significant changes in the type of work.
“Over the period the number of residents employed in information/communication and scientific/technical services has risen by a third whilst employment in manufacturing has fallen by a quarter.
“Total employment in human health and social work in the Cam and Dursley area is greater than any other sector.
“Across the four wards of Dursley, Cam East, Cam West, Coaley & Uley, the report reveals that the total population rose by 7.4% – almost identical to Stroud District as a whole.
“However, growth has been uneven, with Dursley (as a result of the Littlecombe development) seeing an 11.4% increase in its population whilst Cam West barely changed – rising by only 1.2%.
“This reflects the rurality of the area and the ribbon like development towards the A38.
“Whilst the focus of the report is upon wider trends, census returns reveal all sorts of unusual facts.
“For example, there are 8 librarians living in the Cam and Dursley area; whilst of the 42 people classifying their job as sports and fitness occupations, not one lived in Coaley & Uley.”
A copy of the report 2021 can be found on The Engine’s website here – www.theengine.org.uk
