We've won again!
We're the most small business-friendly council!
Test Valley Borough Council has been named the most business-friendly council in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight for 2016/17.
Neil Eames, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Development Manager for Dorset, Hampshire and Isle of Wight, presented the best overall small business-friendly council award to Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Carr, at a ceremony at Bartley Lodge Hotel, Cadnam, on Thursday, 15 September. Neil also presented Councillor Carr with the David Ramsden commemorative award for Outstanding Commitment to Supporting Small Business in recognition of the Council’s hard work over the eight years in which the FSB has been running the initiative.
Neil said: “These awards acknowledge councils who are proactively supporting the local micro and small business community. We are delighted to recognise the significant and considerable work undertaken by Test Valley Borough Council and we are keen to help promote such examples of best practice to all councils to help support our local business community. The Federation of Small Businesses looks to the region’s local authorities to help create the environment for small businesses to survive and thrive, and we look forward to continuing working with Test Valley Borough Council and other councils to keep this momentum going.”
Councillor Ian Carr said: “I’m delighted that the Federation of Small Businesses has recognised our hard work again this year. We are particularly grateful for the David Ramsden commemorative award which acknowledges the longevity of our hard work. The Council is committed to supporting the local economy in a number of ways. We have various grants available to new business owners and we also offer ongoing support such as networking events and business fair opportunities. I would encourage anyone who is considering setting up a business in Test Valley to get in touch with the Council to find out more about how we can help.”
For more information about how the Council supports the local economy, click here.