underway next month.

And some 1,500 businesses and organisations will be approached for information on their economic performance over the past year.

The information will be used to measure the growth of the economy in terms of what each industry sector contributes to it.

"In that way, more meaningful and reliable statistics relating to the economy will be available to the private sector,'' said a Department spokeswoman.

All institutions -- including churches, schools, sports clubs, and charities -- contribute to the economy, she continued.

She added that self-employed business people would be included in the survey.

"The economy benefits from every type of business despite the size of its operation and whether it is a charity or not,'' she pointed out.

Businesses and associations that are in operation have been grouped into 14 industry categories including agriculture, construction and hotels.

The 1,500 business units selected will be receiving questionnaires in the mail this week.

And on November 5, the Chamber of Commerce will hold a seminar at the Hamilton Princess Hotel at 8 a.m.

The Chief Statistician will be there along with other panelists to talk about the collection of statistical data and to explain the purpose behind the survey.

The spokeswoman took the chance yesterday to thank businesses that participated in the 1998 survey and to note that the department was hoping for a stronger response from the business community.

"The Survey will be requesting sensitive data which many businesses are not accustomed to providing,'' said the spokeswoman.

"However, in a sophisticated economy such as Bermuda, it is essential for the business community and Government to be able to make decisions and projections based on accurate and reliable business statistics.

"This Survey will serve the purpose of providing the key data.

"Its goal is to provide meaningful statistics that can be used by any organisation to make better informed business decisions,'' said the spokeswoman.

The information collected will be treated with the greatest confidentiality as the Department works toward building a trustworthy relationship with the business sector, she stressed.

Further inquiries can be directed to the Statistics Department at 297-7711 or 297-7780.

SURVEY SUR