FSB AND IOW COUNCIL MEET TO BENEFIT BUSINESS

The Isle of Wight Branch of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and representatives of the Isle of Wight Council have met to discuss issues vital to small businesses on the Island. This was the second in a series of scheduled meetings. The FSB wants regular consultation with the Council to ensure that the views of its 970 island members are heard.

The meeting was held between Caryn March and Norman Arnold, FSB’s  Branch Chair and Vice-Chair, and Councillor George Brown and John Metcalfe, Deputy Director, Economic, Tourism and Leisure, from Isle of Wight Council.

Caryn March said: “With the council budget a main concern, local issues were discussed including small business rate relief, the use of LABGI (business growth initiative) funding, council procurement and positively working with local businesses, the improved speed of council payments and the ever-topical issue of car parking costs.”

“The general feeling of the meeting was that despite the current downturn in economic activity on the island, the council is looking at viable options to support business activity. The FSB is very keen to maintain regular contact with the Economic Development team to ensure that the small business view is constantly heard, and that implications of policies for FSB members and all other small businesses are fully considered when decisions are being made,” added Caryn March.

Councillor George Brown, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy, Tourism, Leisure and Planning, said: “the Council is committed to improving the overall economic well being of the Island and is pleased to be able to work with the FSB for the benefit of all Island businesses.”

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