Council's support for small businesses reaps another award

Warwickshire County Council's significant ongoing support for small businesses gained further recognition when the Federation of Small Businesses' annual Local Authority Awards were handed out.

The county council fought off stiff competition to earn the Best All-round ‘Small business friendliness’ accolade at the FSB's annual Small Business Engagement lunch.

Paul Miles Rogers, chairman of FSB Warwickshire and Coventry, revealed that the county council had clinched the award by offering proof of just how directly their input had helped specific small businesses to thrive.

"This was a difficult category to judge and we must give credit to both Coventry and Solihull whose applications were outstanding," he said. "However on this occasion, the judges felt that in their submission Warwickshire had more clearly defined how each of its initiatives benefited not just the business community as a whole but, in particular, small businesses.

"Some of the initiatives included investment in Tech Central, case studies from small firms, support for retail and rural businesses and a big push on supporting firms which tackle skills gaps.”

Accepting the award on behalf of Warwickshire County Council, Cllr Alan Cockburn said: "Small businesses are the lifeblood of our local economy, creating thousands of jobs and bringing prosperity to people across Warwickshire.  

"I would like to thank our dedicated team, who are working across many different sectors and in our towns and rural areas to support small businesses to start up, develop and thrive."

The FSB awards provide an opportunity for all councils in Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull to make known any project or initiative that promotes and champions local economic development.

Three other awards which focused on small business friendliness were also presented. The best ‘small business friendly’ campaign was won by Rugby Borough Council, the best ‘small business friendly’ procurement policy went to Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council and the best ‘small business friendly’ regulation policy was won by Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council.