The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has revealed the winners of its inaugural FSB Local Government Awards, highlighting local authorities in England which have shown the strongest support for small businesses.
More than 400 entries were received, across four categories:
- Covid-19 Support and Recovery
- Programme of Business Support
- Future-Ready
- All-round Small Business Friendly
Of the 36 winning local authorities across England’s nine regions, four were further honoured as overall England-wide winners - Lewisham, Hambleton, Spelthorne and North East Lincolnshire.
Initiatives included administering grants, establishing hubs and developing one-to-one relationships with local businesses.
Martin McTague, National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “Local government has an important responsibility in supporting small businesses and the self-employed. Engagement with councils and local authorities is a significant part of FSB’s work and it’s good to be able to recognise and congratulate those in England that have stepped up, been innovative and really helped their small businesses.
“As well as creating thriving local economies and providing employment, local businesses also contribute greatly to communities and a sense of place and it’s vital that councils recognise these smaller businesses and do all they can to help them to thrive.
“It’s been tremendous to read about the vast support that councils are providing to our small businesses, not just from our winners but across all of the awards entries.”
The awards ceremony was held online today (14 October), hosted by broadcaster Dave Sharpe.
The FSB Local Government Awards 2022 all-England winners are:
London Borough of Lewisham: Winner of FSB Covid-19 Support and Recovery Award
Awarded for administering 14,000 COVID grants totalling £76m to local businesses as well as establishing a raft of measures to support small businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic, including setting up a new stakeholder group; conducting over 21,000 business visits across Council teams to promote grants available to small businesses; introducing a business e-newsletter, adapting discretionary grants to support home-based and freelance businesses; and establishing a programme to equip 50 businesses to be part of the council’s supply chain.
Hambleton District Council: Winner of FSB Programme of Business Support Award
Hambleton District Council was awarded for providing a bespoke package of support specifically tailored to the individual needs of businesses and for demonstrating recognition of the diversity and individuality of its small business community, helping them to feel supported and less isolated. Projects included apprenticeship schemes, funding support, business briefings, business network schemes, managed workspace provision and its own small business awards.
Spelthorne Borough Council: FSB Future-Ready Award
Spelthorne Council Economic Development Team was awarded for creating a package of fully funded support services to help businesses grow and encourage sustainability. Initiatives have included business skills workshops, free one-to-one business support, digital media training and provision of free websites. The opening of the Spelthorne Business Hub also helped to provide space for the business community to exchange ideas and to grow together. This Hub has established a vibrant community of start-up businesses, where all businesses receive access to coaching, mentoring and training programmes provided by local business coaches.
North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC): Winner of FSB All Round Business-Friendly Award
NELC was awarded for taking an innovative approach to developing a comprehensive programme of engagement and support to local SMEs. Projects have included the provision of start-up funding, business workshops and events and business festivals, and providing sector specific business growth and investment advisors.
ENDS
Notes to editors
- The full list of the winners can be found here: our-winners
- There are 333 local authorities and councils in England.
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About FSB
As the UK’s largest business support group, FSB is the voice of the UK’s small businesses and the self-employed. Established over 40 years ago to help its members succeed in business, FSB is a non-profit making and non-party political organisation that’s led by its members, for its members. As the UK’s leading business campaigner, FSB is focused on delivering change which supports smaller businesses to grow and succeed.
FSB offers members a wide range of vital business services, including access to finance, business banking, legal advice and support along with a powerful voice in Government. Each year FSB also runs the UK’s Celebrating Small Business Awards. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk. You can follow us on twitter @fsb_policy and on Instagram @fsb_uk.