SME News June 2017

30 SME NEWS / June 2017 , On Friday 14th June, local councils in the UKwere recognised for their support for small firms as part of the annual Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) local authority awards. Councils Get Recognised in Awards for Small Businesses Support At FSB’s annual ‘Small Business Engagement’ lunch all councils in Coventry, Warwickshire & Solihull were asked to make known any project or initiative that promotes and champions local economic development. There were four awards which focused on small business friendliness: • Best ‘Small Business Friendly’ Campaign; • Best ‘Small Business Friendly’ Procurement Policy; • Best ‘Small Business Friendly’ Regulation Policy and; • Best All Round ‘Small Business Friendliness’. The awards form part of FSB’s lobbying activity to ensure that at every level of government, entrepreneurs are viewed as potential wealth, growth and job-creators of the future. Small businesses account for 99.3% of the private sector in the UK, so it’s vital that FSB makes it easier for them to thrive. This year’s winners were Warwick District Council for both the best procurement and regulation policies, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council for the best campaign and joint winners for best all round small business friendliness went to Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council and Warwickshire County Council. Paul Miles Rogers, FSB Warwickshire and Coventry Chairman said: “We are delighted that Warwick District Council won two awards this year. Their application showed how they are finding solutions to the ongoing problem of small firms accessing public procurement, and looking at simple innovative ways of tackling the issue. They also showed a specific regulatory campaign that focused on support and guidance to improve standards by the food and safety team, by offering practical help, rather than enforcement.” “In Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council’s application they highlighted how they had delivered an innovative and inwardly focused project that brought the needs and the value of small businesses to the forefront of all council employees, encouraging them to think local first.” “The overall best small business friendliness award was a difficult category to judge, with very little between two councils. This is why it was agreed to award both Warwickshire County Council and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council. Warwickshire County Council are continually coming up with new ways to respond on the ongoing issues of small firms – this is particularly evident in their support to tackle broadband and skills. And Solihull Council offer ongoing practical support for new and growing businesses and can always demonstrate excellent partnership working for the benefit of SME’s.” Councillor Ian Courts, Cabinet Member for Managed Growth and Deputy Leader of Solihull Council said: “Receiving this award again is very special to us, gaining recognition for our efforts in supporting small businesses by the Federation of Small Businesses. Helping to grow our small business community is a key priority for Solihull, recognising their critical importance to the local economy. We will continue to develop programmes to respond to small business needs, working in partnership with FSB.” Councillor Dennis Harvey, Leader of Nuneaton & Bedworth Council commented: “It’s great to be recognised for our work in supporting local business. This is the fourth year we’ve won an award within the FSB’s ‘small business friendly’ awards, showing our commitment in this area. As a council, we do all we can to support existing businesses and attract new companies, large and small. I hope that this latest award demonstrates our continued commitment. We have a fantastic track record of supporting small businesses; they are so important to the economy of the borough, not just in terms of growth, but also for job retention and creation.” Councillor Peter Whiting, Finance Portfolio Holder at Warwick District Council said: “The access for small businesses to the purchasing power of Local Authorities is really important for the local economy and something that we have been working on for some considerable time. It is therefore truly excellent news that Warwick District Council have won this award and is testament to this Authority’s accessibility and proactive business attitude.” Councillor Noel Butler, Business Portfolio Holder at Warwick District Council remarked: “I’m delighted that the two awards received from the FSB recognise the work done to encourage growth amongst the small businesses within Warwick District. We are committed to delivering a vibrant and diverse economy, and these awards show that we are on the right path. We look forward to continuing our work with our small businesses and organisations like the FSB.” Councillor Andrew Thompson, Health & Community Protection Portfolio Holder said: “Our food team here have taken a proactive and innovative approach to ensure that small businesses are given the very best chance to establish and thrive. For this to be recognised by the FSB is a fantastic endorsement of the team’s approach, and one that we hope other authorities will look to adopt.”