The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Dorset has launched this year’s bid to find the best small business friendly initiatives undertaken by the councils. The Small Business Friendly Awards 2012, now in their fourth year, have three Award categories, with councils being encouraged to enter as many categories as they wish.
The launch took place at The Menzies Carlton Hotel, Bournemouth with representatives from all nine councils within Dorset. In the introduction to the awards it was confirmed to the mix of Council Leaders and Economic Development Officers that the Awards have now become firmly established, and are well respected by all councils.
Last year’s Awards were a resounding success and managed to uncover some excellent work undertaken by local councils to support small businesses in their areas. All local councils entered at least one award nomination, and were represented at the Awards Presentation Ceremony.
The Councils have until 24th August 2012 to submit their entries and the winners will be announced in mid September.
The three Award categories are:
• Best Small Business Friendly Procurement Performance
• Best Small Business Friendly Programme or Campaign
• Best All Round Small Business Friendliness
David Ramsden, FSB Dorset County Chairman, said: “The FSB looks to the region’s local authorities to help create the environment for small businesses to survive and thrive. Particularly in the current economic climate, we are very keen to recognise any organisation that has gone above and beyond to achieve this.
The Small Business Friendly Awards scheme shows local authorities the best examples of services and high levels of support that this region’s small businesses receive from their councils."
Last year Bournemouth Borough Council won both the Procurement and Programme awards, while Christchurch Borough Council won the All Round title. This year it would be great to see some winners from other parts of Dorset.
(Picture: David Ramsden, FSB County Chair with representatives from councils within Dorset, and the local FSB)
