Gauging the 'state of the nation' is not easy but over the last few years, BPEX has developed an annual survey which goes a long way to answering those questions.

The annual confidence survey is now in its fourth year, which means there is now enough information to start looking at trends.

BPEX Head of Communication, Andrew Knowles said: "It is vitally important that we know the mood of the industry and the individual sectors within it.

"They survey covers producers, allied industry, civil servants and retailers to give us as wide a view as possible.

"It is also a good opportunity to measure the services BPEX has to offer – which are most used and how often."

The survey itself will be going out next week (on 13 January) and it will help make it even more useful if all those who receive it complete and return it.

Anybody who does not receive the survey but would like to take part can do so by following the link to complete it on-line [click here].