Council shows support for small businesses
Archived press release
Date Published: 27/11/09
Roger Martin, FSB Branch Committee Member, and Andrew Grant, Chief Executive of AVDC, sign the Accord
Aylesbury Vale District Council will be making sure that small businesses have their voices heard as part of the council’s decision making process.
Andrew Grant, Chief Executive of AVDC, has signed the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Small Business Engagement Accord to underline the council’s commitment to developing constructive relationships with small businesses in the area.
The Accord is designed to improve the level of participation of local businesses in consultations and local democracy.
Councillor Michael Edmonds, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: “At this time of economic uncertainty, the council is pleased to be working closely with and supporting our local Federation of Small Businesses and involving them in our consultation process. Small businesses are an important part of Aylesbury Vale’s economy and the council needs to work with them if we are to get the maximum benefit for local residents as well as for the businesses themselves.”
The Accord outlines 14 key principles including:
• Nominating representatives to be ‘business engagement champions’ whose role will be to ensure that the views of the local business community are considered in any consultation process
• Making consultation documents easier to digest and respond to in local and regional government
• Applying a range of communication tools to promote better business engagement in consultations, such as newsletters, information on websites and local media
Linda Walton, chair of the Federation of Small Businesses Aylesbury and South Bucks Branch, said: “The content of this Accord has been negotiated between us as an example of a local partnership that will ensure that the business voice is heard in the district, giving us the opportunity for meaningful consultation and better engagement with the development of policies which directly affect us. The FSB campaigns constantly to build an environment where small businesses, the backbone of our local economy, can survive and thrive, and we are very encouraged by this move on the part of AVDC.”
AVDC is doing everything it can to support existing businesses and attract new ones into the area. The Vale already provides employment for more than 80,000 people and the council aims to have another 21,500 jobs in the area by 2026 for people living in the planned new homes.
Budding entrepreneurs and new business should make the Aylesbury Enterprise and Innovation Centre their first stop on the way to the top. The centre, launched last month, provides a starting point for new business start-ups and fledgling businesses that need flexible and affordable space, in an attractive and inspiring environment, coupled with all the support and advice a new company needs.
Over the next four years, AVDC will contribute £150,000, along with £50,000 from the South East England Development Agency, towards the running costs. During that time, it is estimated that the centre will help over 200 new businesses.
This month marks the fifth anniversary of the council’s business grants scheme, and it has provided grant assistance and support to 64 businesses across the Vale, totalling almost £240,000. The grants of £3,000 to £5,000 have been used to support all kinds of growth in the companies, ranging from buying new machinery, expanding premises, marketing and promotion, and training staff.
To find out more go to www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/business or call 01296 585657.