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FSB calls on local authorities to listen to business |
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New Small Business Engagement Accord launched in Canterbury
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) today celebrated a new agreement given by local authorities to include small businesses in decision-making. Launching its new Small Business Engagement Accord, the FSB welcomed the involvement of local authorities in the initiative which sees them signing up to 14 Accord Principles which promote the importance of listening to the views of small businesses. The Principles include nominating business engagement champions from among the business community and within the council, as well as encouraging greater consultation with a wider range of business and community leaders. At the signing of the first Accord in the country, in Canterbury, FSB Policy Chairman John Walker was joined by the Leader of Canterbury City Council, John Gilbey, and Chief Executive, Colin Carmichael. The Accord is the next step of the FSB’s Keep Trade Local Campaign, which seeks to highlight the need to preserve local services and networks such as pubs, post offices and banks to help small businesses survive. John Walker, FSB Policy Chairman, said: “During this recession, it’s absolutely crucial that local authorities proactively seek the views of small businesses and listen to their needs, so that they can provide them with the support they need to get through these tough times. In every area where a local authority has signed the Accord, small businesses will be able to put their views and concerns directly to decision-makers. “The FSB calls on all local authorities to sign up to the 14 principles of the Small Business Engagement Accord and to put their support behind the businesses which keep our local areas going.” John Gilbey, Leader of Canterbury City Council, said: “The Accord represents a win-win situation for Canterbury City Council and our local businesses. By following the principles of the Accord, many of which are already enshrined in our local economic partnership Canterbury4Business, we can ensure that the voice of small business becomes central to any future consultations. But, perhaps more importantly, the Accord also puts in place a structure to help ensure that councils and businesses work in partnership to ensure the continued growth and prosperity of the local economy.” |
