Praise for pace-setting initiative to beat red tape
13 July 2010
The solution to how small businesses can operate more smoothly and more profitably around the country may come from a bold initiative to cut red tape being trialled by a small Midlands council.
North West Leicestershire District Council has set up a wide-ranging partnership encompassing business groups: the Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB); as well as the police and fire service, Leicestershire County Council, and HM Revenue and Customs.
The council is running a unique six month pilot - the Pro-Support Signposting Scheme - which pulls together all the regulations relevant to business into a one stop shop for advice and guidance. So far 35 businesses are using the scheme, and there have been 98 requests for advice.
Kathryn Preece, the council's Head of Environmental Health, said: "There are various partnership schemes around the country but, as far as we know, this is the first time anyone has been able to get buy in from all the relevant regulatory bodies and the local business community.
"What we have tried to do is create a single point of contact about regulations, such as health and safety or trading standards, for anyone running a business. All the businesses who have engaged with the scheme have said they would use it again because it saves them time and money."
The council's initiative has also won praise nationally from LBRO which works with business, national and local regulators to make the system work better. Chairman Clive Grace said: "This is exactly the kind of proactive and broadminded approach that business and Government want to see, and reflects the new impetus for a better working relationship between local authorities and business.
"North West Leicestershire District Council's ambition should be lauded and we would encourage other authorities to explore the possibilities for working closer with their business communities. With the Government determined to change the landscape of how regulation impacts on business, there is a huge momentum for simplifying what can be a complex system."
Locally, there has been strong support for the council from bodies such as the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). Maxine Aldred, FSB Regional Organiser, said: "North West Leicestershire is very proactive in supporting its local businesses through projects such as Pro-Support and the Business Consultative Forum.
"It is important for businesses to realise their local authority is available for advice and support and all the partners are all working together to ensure this happens. Local businesses also have the opportunity to have their voice heard at the Forum meetings. This is not only an opportunity for them to air any issues that may arise but work with North West Leicestershire to further promote economic growth."
Max Boden, Policy Manager at Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce, said: "The NW Leicestershire business engagement partnership has been a breath of fresh air, sharing a valuable exploration of local enforcement practice across regulatory functions between regulators and business support organisations.
"I believe what we have all learned will help with simplification, without loss or compromise of the protective purpose of regulation and is an investment in the future, despite the uncertainties ahead."
And Paul Davis, Team Leader Trading Standards Service Leicestershire County Council, said: "We want to assist businesses based in our area to thrive as much as possible, and this scheme helps us to work closer with other agencies to help to achieve this."
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