Businesses give council an award
Working with the business community is not only good for the economy in Castle Point but has also brought the council an award from the FSB (Federation of Small Businesses).
Chairman of the South East Essex Branch of the FSB, Simon Swords, said: "Essex FSB has a special annual award which is available for the local authority in the county which has done most to work with the business community in its area and in particular support and promote small businesses. At a meeting of the Essex FSB Regional Committee this week, it was agreed that Castle Point Borough Council would receive the 2008 award.
"The presentation will take place at the Annual Dinner in Chelmsford during November 2008, which will be attended by the FSB National Chairman John Wright.
"During the last 12 months Castle Point Borough Council has undertaken a number of initiatives to support and help small businesses including: giving a high profile to the Economic Development Sub Group of its Local Strategic Partnership the launch of the Castle Point Business Awards in partnership with Business Link East and the FSB and working with retailers on Canvey Island to help them attract more business, which links with the FSB's Keep Trade Local Campaign "It is that work which has helped gain this award for our local council."
Leader of Castle Point Borough Council, Councillor Pam Challis, said: "We are delighted to be receiving this award as it is always nice to have our work recognised by external organisations. We know that the award from the FSB is not given easily.
"It is a tribute to the council staff and council members involved in economic development and regeneration to have won this award, as the partnerships they have developed with the business community and other stakeholders have brought big benefits for our local economy.
"The FSB are easy to work with because they share our aim of wanting the very best for Castle Point and its economy. They work with us to achieve practical solutions to the challenges we face.
"They act as critical friends and because of the strength of their membership in the area, we know that when they speak they are doing so from experience, so their point of view is well worth listening to."
Norman Smith, cabinet member for regeneration and economic development, added: "This award reflects the progress we have achieved in Castle Point, but we know that we still have a lot more to do.
"By working with partners such as the FSB, we are much more likely to create an environment in which businesses can thrive and grow, boosting the local economy and generating jobs for local people."
The FSB represents more than 213,000 businesses across the United Kingdom and is the largest single organisation representing business interests in the country.
The South East Essex Branch of the FSB represents the interest of small businesses in the following postcode areas � SS0 to SS9 � which includes Benfleet, Canvey Island, Hockley, Leigh-on-Sea, Rochford, Southend-on-Sea and Thundersley.
More information is available from www.fsb.org.uk/essex
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