Businesses are now planning for growth, and regard investment in skills as vital to improving productivity and performance. The survey provides an authoritative barometer of business opinion on key education and skills issues. Problem solving, team-working and time management skills are a necessary part of employment, and business will often consider these qualities to be as important as exam results and formal qualifications. Improving these skills was employers’ top priority for the education system. Businesses recognize that they have a responsibility to help develop employability, which is why employers are working in partnership with schools and universities to provide work placements.