Council praised forproviding boost tolocal businesses

The council, jointly with Surrey County Council, was one of 10 winners from around the country chosen for the accolade under a contest run by the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Winning authorities, selected by a panel including industry experts and local and central government representatives, were praised for helping smaller businesses by introducing innovative procurement practices.

In East Sussex, measures include Build East Sussex, a 900-strong network which helps small and medium sized businesses boost their chances of landing construction contracts with major companies.

The county council also administers the Rural Growth and Employment Fund, which has already handed out £1 million to projects which boost the economy in rural areas of East Sussex, with bids for a second wave of funding currently being invited.

Becky Shaw, county council chief executive, said: “Small and medium-sized businesses are vital to the county’s economic success and it’s our role to help them do what they do best - create jobs and provide the products and services people need.

“Being named one of the best councils in the country to do business with is a great honour, and testament to our commitment to helping to foster an economic climate where firms of all sizes can thrive.”

Government enterprise advisor Lord Young said: ““This competition is providing a vital service in shining a light on the very best councils helping to get local small businesses growing.”