UK firms forge ties with local authorities

Date: 12th March 2009

UK small companies have strengthened ties with local government through a new agreement.

Under the Small Business Engagement Accord, authorities will be obliged to adhere to a set of 14 principles, which set out the importance of "listening to the views" of smaller enterprises.

The initiative - which was launched by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) - has so far been signed by Kent's Canterbury City Council.

Chairman of policy at the FSB, John Walker, said: "It's absolutely critical that local authorities proactively seek the views of small businesses and listen to their needs, so that they can provide them with the support they need to get through these tough times."

He added that in every region where a council has agreed to the accord, small firms would be to "put their views" directly to local government officials.

Also on a positive note, data published this month by the British Bankers' Association revealed that lending to small businesses rose by £235 million in January.