Innovative and ground-breaking projects which have supported hundreds of start-ups and small businesses in the capital have been recognised at an awards ceremony today.
The London boroughs of Camden, Merton and Greenwich saw off competition from more than 20 entries across 16 boroughs to be named winners of the Small Business Friendly Borough Awards 2014, run by London Councils and the London region of the Federation of Small Businesses. The London Boroughs of Barking and Dagenham, Brent and Ealing were also celebrating after picking up highly commended awards.
Merton scooped the prize for Best All-Round Small Business Friendly Borough for a series of initiatives run with a number of partners including Merton Chamber of Commerce. The London Borough of Camden won Best Programme of Support for Small Businesses and the Royal Borough of Greenwich secured Best Place-Based Campaign to Support Local Trade for its Get on Board engagement campaign ahead of this September’s Tall Ships Festival.
The awards, in their second year, showcase projects and initiatives that have had a positive impact on London’s small business community.
Councillor Claire Kober, London Councils' Executive member for infrastructure and regeneration, said: “All the entries that we received for this year’s awards demonstrate how councils are working hard across the capital to spur on growth and create jobs by supporting local businesses.
“From independent retailers and family-run firms to creative start-ups and entrepreneurs, there is a clear commitment to helping small businesses thrive for the benefit of everyone.
“The winning projects were particularly impressive for their thoughtful and creative approach to promoting and developing small business growth.”
Steve Warwick, London regional chairman, Federation of Small Businesses, said: “Small and medium enterprises make up 99 per cent of the businesses in the capital. They are the lifeblood driving the economic heart of London.
“Anything which councils do that makes life easier for small businesses and provides them with new opportunities to grow and develop must be applauded.
“The projects recognised today are great examples of how boroughs have listened to the needs of local businesses and worked with them to achieve a positive outcome for themselves and residents.”
This year’s ceremony was held at Grange City Hotel, Tower Hill and attended by figures from the public and private sector.