Helping local businesses turn things around

5.24.08pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 28th Jul 2009

Councillor Lucy Watt with Lib Dem Shadow Chancellor Vince Cable MP.

Islington's small businesses that are struggling to cope with the recession have been given a lifeline by Liberal Democrat-run Islington Council. The new 'Business Turnaround Service' is providing vulnerable local small businesses with expert advice to help them adapt and improve so they can survive the recession. The service, which has only been running for two weeks, has already helped fifteen Islington businesses.

The Liberal Democrat council will also be supporting local small businesses through:

• An 'Open for Business' guide and website, a directory of additional local sources of advice that businesses can turn to.

• Supporting and encouraging local businesses to compete for council procurement contracts.

• Free recruitment services to help businesses take on local people.

• the promotion of small business rate relief to reduce their outgoings.

• 'shop local' campaigns to promote local shopping to residents and visitors.

Councillor Lucy Watt, Liberal Democrat Executive Member for Communities, Skills & Business, comments:

"I have spoken to many small businesses here in Islington who are concerned about how they are going to make it through the recession. We've already held workshops and networking events dedicated to helping these businesses through this difficult time, but now the Lib Dem council has stepped up to the mark and is providing a full-time business turnaround advisor.

"I know that the business community in Islington will emerge from this recession stronger than ever. There is still a lot of money being spent in Islington, but businesses will need to work even harder to get their piece of the cake, and we want to support them in doing this."

See Islington Council's business support website at:

http://www.islington.gov.uk/Business