Council Wins Awards for Being Small-Business Friendly

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Declared as best in London for supporting the sector

Wandsworth Council has won an award for its work in supporting small businesses after judges decided it was the best in London. It bagged a second award for work relating to Wandsworth Enterprise Week.

The Small Business Friendly Awards, run by London Councils and the Federation of Small Businesses, showcase councils in the capital that do more to small businesses and provide a platform for London’s 33 local authorities to highlight their business-friendly policies and procedures.

A total of 38 submissions were received from 23 boroughs - a record high. The winners were announced at an awards ceremony this Thursday (March 30).

Wandsworth has beaten five other shortlisted London boroughs to win overall Best All-Round Small Business Friendly Borough.

And Jenni Asiama, an officer in the council’s Economic Development Office, has won Best Small Business Friendly Champion (Officer). Jenni’s duties include organising Wandsworth Enterprise Week, one of the lynchpins of the council’s business support package.

Councillor Peter John, executive member for business, skills and Brexit at London Councils, said: “Small businesses play a critical role in London’s economy. They account for almost 99 per cent of London’s businesses and nearly half of the capital’s jobs. They are not only key wealth generators but are also an important part of their local communities.

“London boroughs play an important role supporting small businesses to access good quality business advice and support, affordable workspace, business finance and public sector procurement contracts.”

The council’s business spokesman Cllr Kim Caddy said: “I’m delighted that the hard work of our officers and the council’s commitment to our small businesses has been recognised. I would urge all businesses in the borough to find out about the free support we can offer them.”

Wandsworth runs a package of free support for small businesses as part of its ongoing commitment to help local firms thrive. As well as Wandsworth Enterprise Week, there are tailored programmes for two of the borough’s fastest growing sectors – food and digital. Firms can also receive advice on how to supply the Nine Elms regeneration area and there is an extensive programme of one-to-one advice sessions.

Find out more at www.wandsworth.gov.uk/yourbusinessyourgrowth.

March 31, 2017