Archived press release

Date Published: 19/06/07

Aylesbury Vale District Council been named highly commended in a prestigious competition to find the most enterprising town, city or place in Britain. Enterprising Britain is supported by the Treasury and recognises and celebrates entrepreneurial...

Aylesbury Vale District Council been named highly commended in a prestigious competition to find the most enterprising town, city or place in Britain.

Enterprising Britain is supported by the Treasury and recognises and celebrates entrepreneurial achievement throughout the regions of the UK. The competition aims to strengthen the enterprise culture in Britain by encouraging more people to consider starting their own businesses.

AVDC finished runner-up in the regional heat of the competition after impressing judges with its entrepreneurial vision and commitment to developing enterprise in the local area.

This year’s contest attracted a substantial response from organisations across the south east after the regional development agency challenged towns, cities and places to demonstrate that they had the credentials to compete for the national title.

The council was praised by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) for “spearheading momentum” in a growth area with significant planned investment set to take place over the next few years, including the Waterside redevelopment project in Aylesbury town centre. Judges also congratulated the council for the range of services and initiatives to help encourage enterprise, including business grants and the business welcome pack.

Applicants to the competition had to demonstrate in their submissions that a wide range of private and public sector partners had worked together to make a difference to their particular area, facing the challenges of promoting enterprise and achieving positive results. They were also requested to include evidence of a clear strategy for the future development of enterprise using a partnership approach.

The Aylesbury Vale entry highlighted a number of significant council projects which have contributed to a thriving enterprise and self-help culture in the district. These initiatives include:
• Entrepreneurs campaign – an outdoor advertising campaign was developed and launched in 2006 to specifically target and assist those individuals living in the Vale that could be potential entrepreneurs
• Business grants scheme – grants of up to £5,000 are available to help encourage start up businesses and also assist existing businesses
• On-line business services – the council is providing an improved range of on-line services to businesses, including a new commercial property and land database and an e-business newsletter
• Inward investment brochure – this brochure is being used to help target potential investors who are interested in moving to the Vale and to make investors and developers aware of the district’s potential
• Workwise project – Working with the Learning and Skills Council, AVDC developed and implemented a programme aimed at providing work experience for a number of residents who were on long term benefit to give them confidence to re-enter the job market

Councillor Michael Edmonds, Deputy Leader of AVDC and Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: “A strong local economy, with successful and dynamic businesses, is important to us. We work hard to keep developing innovative programmes that drive growth in our community. This recognition highlights the positive impact our work is having on the ability of businesses to succeed and grow in the district.”

Clare Williams, SEEDA Youth Enterprise Manager, said: “I congratulate Aylesbury Vale District Council on being named highly commended in the south east region in the Enterprising Britain contest. Their success is proof of the enterprise talent we have in the south east of England. Places like Aylesbury Vale are providing an excellent range of services and initiatives to help encourage enterprise and making a real impact on local economies.”