A KEY meeting was held this week at the Civic Offices with the Council Leader, Cllr Garry Hague and various partners to discuss how they can work together to forge closer working relationships and provide more support to local businesses.
In attendance were partners, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Thurrock Local Enterprise Agency (TLEA), Thurrock Business Association, Business Link and the Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation (TTGDC).
Leader of Thurrock Council, Cllr Garry Hague said: “I am very keen to work to help small businesses create and retain jobs for Thurrock residents.
“I am passionate about Thurrock and passionate about getting the best for business and residents alike. Thurrock is at the heart of the Thames Gateway regeneration area and hundreds of millions of pounds of investment are flowing into the area.
“I want businesses and residents to benefit from the advantages of the regeneration of Thurrock and encourage new businesses to invest here to create the jobs our growing community needs. It is also important for Thurrock Council to support our local firms who are facing tough times caused by the current economic climate.”
He added: “One of my first decisions was the aim for Thurrock Council to pay invoices from local suppliers within ten days to improve cash flow. The council is also supporting local business with training on procurement and tendering procedures to empower local firms to bid for council contracts.
“We are also working hard to publicise the small businesses rate relief scheme to help firms cut their business rate bill as many are losing out.”
Cllr Hague explained that other ways by which Thurrock Council could work with local businesses would be by supporting the FSB to hold ‘Compete For’ seminars in Thurrock, development of a common database, as well as pooling communications via a calendar of activities through the newly established BusinessNet website.
Business partners are committed to help publicise the Business Link £500 voucher scheme introduced a couple of months back and the new BusinessNet website www.thurrockbusiness.net to advertise seminars, products, and promotions.
The group will meet every six weeks over the coming months to review the support being given to small businesses in Thurrock.
