WEST Devon Borough Council and South Hams District Council, together with Devon, Somerset, Torbay and Plymouth councils, have won a prestigious award for their Better Business for All Partnership (BBfA).

The award for the ‘Best Council Initiative to Stimulate and Support Small Business Growth and Encourage Small Business Success in the Rural Economy’ was awarded by the National Federation of Self Employed and Small Businesses (FSB).

The ceremony took place at Trill Farm, Axminster, which is home to a thriving South West business.

BBfA is a national enterprise where businesses and regulators change how regulation is delivered. This partnership has representatives from a variety of sources, including 13 local authorities, two unitary authorities and 13 other organisations.

As a partnership, it is responsible for more than 65,000 business exchanges each year. Businesses have access to the BBfA newsletter, survey reports and can also attend business conferences.

It is these first-rate relationships with businesses which have resulted in winning this award in recognition of the BBfA work. The award was a beautiful paperweight by Devon business Our Glass Cockington.

Cllr Lindsay Ward, deputy leader of South Hams District Council, said: ‘The awards ceremony is an annual event organised by the FSB with whom we enjoy an on-going partnership. South Hams District Council very much appreciate their enthusiasm for our local economy. 

‘Better Business for All is a great support for local businesses but also leads to better outcomes for the wider community.’

Deputy leader of West Devon Borough Council, Cllr Bob Baldwin, said: ‘This award is for the work of officers on the BBfA initiative, in the sensible application of regulatory processes.

‘These processes need not be a hindrance to businesses, but if you can get it right, as West Devon Borough Council does, the council can help to improve business productivity. For example how many of us would choose a restaurant with a 5 star food hygiene rating rather than a 3 star establishment?

‘I would like to congratulate all those involved and the joint working West Devon continues to do with rural businesses.’