NEW Forest businesses are being urged to take part in a survey to help future planning and economic development in the district and National Park.

Businesses which return a completed survey will be entered into a prize draw to win £150.

The Business Needs survey has been distributed to local businesses by New Forest District Council and the New Forest National Park Authority, as well as via local business support organisations.

The results of the survey will used to guide future decisions on planning and economic development policy.

It will also help to secure future funding opportunities such as the Rural Development LEADER Programme, which has already provided grants totalling £1.4 million to local businesses and communities.

The survey will also assist the New Forest Business Partnership to identify and meet the training and support needs of local businesses.

The survey is open until next Friday and can be found, along with further information, at www.nfbp.org.uk.