On Wednesday 13 December 2023 at a packed event for local businesses, charities, and community leaders, Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor signed the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Local Leadership Partnership Pledge, cementing Watford Borough Council’s continuing support for local small businesses.

Suzanna Austin, FSB Development Manager covering Hertfordshire co-signed the Partnership Pledge, marking the first adoption of the pledge within Hertfordshire and the six counties in the East of England.

Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “I am delighted that the council is recognised as a Local Leadership Partner by FSB here in Watford. We understand the value of smaller businesses and the vitality they bring to our local economy.

“I know how important it is to meet with local businesses regularly. We have been encouraging residents to ‘Shop Local’ and are making sure that small to medium-sized businesses are included in Watford’s decision-making. We strive to provide the highest quality support and opportunities to our business community, and I can’t wait for the year ahead working with FSB.”

The Local Leadership Partnership Pledge is based on three key commitments from Watford Borough Council to:

• Work with FSB to channel our business voice to enable policy to support the needs of small businesses in Watford, as set out in the local leadership document.
• Create a supportive environment where our small businesses and local communities can thrive.
• Continue with the post of Small Business Champion and single point of contact within the council.

FSB’s Development Manager Suzanna Austin said: “Outside of London, the East of England has some of the highest concentration of small businesses by population and has been one of the areas slowest to recover economically since the pandemic.  With the ongoing cost of doing business crisis, it is fantastic to see Watford Borough Council embrace FSB’s Partnership Pledge and join councils in Kent, Surrey and London in their commitment to supporting local businesses.

“Watford already do so much to embed small business needs across departments, however, to create an environment where small businesses and communities can thrive requires ongoing change as SMEs navigate a variety of new challenges.

With the vital role that entrepreneurs play within the borough, I am so pleased that Watford BC has actively committed to working with us as a local leadership partner so we can continue collaborating and creating a supportive environment for local small businesses.”