Published: Thursday, 29th January, 2009 1:18pm

Small firms need lifeline

by Jonathan Kelly

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SMALL businesses could be thrown a lifeline as a steering group of business and town leaders considers what it can do to help them through the credit crunch.

Wokingham Borough Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee was set to consider how it can help small business through the uncertain economic climate at a meeting last night (Tuesday).

The committee looked at several issues including:

- Encouraging larger organisations to pay small firms within 20 days;

- For the council to ensure it uses more Wokingham borough small firms;

- Using Local Authority Business Growth Incentive money to help small firms.

Representatives from companies in the area and the Chamber of Commerce were also voicing their opinion.

Committee chairman Cllr Liz Siggery said: "I think anything we do, even if it only raises the profile of local business has to be good and we are genuinely looking at things we could do to help them.

"We can't do anything major, because our hands are tied and the Government takes most of the money we receive from business rates straight away. But there will be a full debate on those issues."

As well as the proposals already suggested to the committee Wokingham businesses would like the council to consider more imaginative forms of assistance.

Mark Ashwell, chairman of the Wokingham Chamber of Commerce, said one of the chamber's main points will be that it and the council should work together more to promote Wokingham as a place to do business.

He said: "There is not much

ability for small firms to supply the council because their procurement terms are quite arduous, but if they can relax them it could benefit small firms.

"It's difficult to put everything in place to get the council's work while still carrying on your business. You almost need a whole department just for that.

"Then there's business rates. They are dictated by the Government, but the council is between us and them.

"Could they decide to give us a sabbatical on our business rates? It's very positive that they are asking for people's input and we'll certainly thank them for that, but we'll have to wait and see what the outcome is."

Recommendations will be put forward to the council leader.