WHEN it comes to all round business friendliness, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council comes top.

That is according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), which recently brought together councillors and officers, involved in economic development, from across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight together for the sixth annual Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Small Business Friendly Awards.

The awards identified the best small business friendly initiatives undertaken by the region’s local authorities, and also highlighted the benefits for small businesses.

Basingstoke and Deane received the Best All Round Small Business Friendliness award for its continuing commitment to support business.

The borough council currently offers a wide range of initiatives designed to help local SMEs.

Test Valley Borough Council won the Most Innovative Small Business Friendly Programme, Project or Campaign, for its work on supporting flood-affected businesses.

The awards were introduced by the FSB Wessex regional vice-chairman, Tim Colman who praised the councils for their commitment to small businesses within their respective areas.

He said: “The awards aim to recognise and publically acknowledge, the significant work undertaken by local authorities, in supporting the micro and small business community. “The FSB clearly sets out to lobby local and national government, but we also realise that we must recognise the work that councils undertake, which in essence, helps our members.

“Similar to pressures on many businesses, we are aware of financial pressures on councils as well, and will try to acknowledge any organisations that go above and beyond what may normally be expected in order to ensure that the small business voice is not only heard but acted upon.”

Neil Eames, development manager for Wessex, added: “We hope that the awards provide a platform for councils to share their successes in promoting and championing local economic development.

“It provides us with an excellent opportunity to promote the best examples of good work to all councils across the county, and further afield.

“This will go some way to help to drive the improvement of local Government delivery and performance to support our local business community.

“We were delighted that all councils within Hampshire and the Isle of Wight were represented at the presentation this year, showing their commitment to small businesses. “The nominations also show that a great deal of effort is being made, and we look forward to working alongside the councils to keep this momentum going.”