At FSB, we know that local and regional government has a major impact on small businesses, and plays a pivotal role in promoting, empowering and facilitating a healthy business environment. Our 2022 Local Government Awards recognised best practice across England, and Test Valley Borough Council were recognised to be the South Central area’s most ‘all round business friendly’ council.
The region extends from Oxfordshire and Thames Valley down to the Isle of Wight and there was stiff competition across the area. FSB South Central Chair - Rob Dewing, explains why Test Valley Borough Council were selected as our regional winner.
Rob said, “Over the past challenging period Test Valley Borough Council has continued to provide all round business support, adapting and adding to its business offer to meet local need.”
“It adapted its Economic Development Strategy to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 and as well as successfully delivering all the lockdown grants it has continued to provide a comprehensive, all round business support offer.”
“Its many activities have included strengthening support for start-ups (including distributing over 50 business start-up grants), increasing the Independent Retailer Grant, helping introduce a Shopappy online platform for local retailers in Romsey, supporting the University of Southampton Science Park Catalyst business accelerator programme to enable high growth potential and working hard with all local businesses to help them become more sustainable and ultimately become Net Zero.”