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Council launches 'Fit for Business' campaign

The Fit for Business launch is this first step and business leaders who attend will in future have the contacts they need and the confidence of having met us, to be able to pick up the phone and talk
Council Leader John Fuller

South Norfolk Council is launching a campaign to forge a new partnership between local government and local businesses as fears over the coming recession intensify.

With dire warnings from the Confederation of British Industry still fresh in everyone's minds, the council's "Fit For Business" campaign means council services are "stepping out of the background" to offer their experience, skills and inside knowledge of local government.

Fit For Business is launched at Dunston Hall on 1 December from 5.30pm and brings together local business leaders and key figures from South Norfolk Council.

Council Leader John Fuller, a business leader himself, says his administration has spent the last 18 months making the council more businesslike and efficient. He wants businesses to take advantage of that and come along.

"The last 18 months have shown a marked turn towards more businesslike and efficient working at the council. It's now time we stepped out of the background and moved towards business.

"The Fit for Business launch is this first step and business leaders who attend will in future have the contacts they need and the confidence of having met us, to be able to pick up the phone and talk.

"We may not be able to fix every issue for them, but what we have is the knowledge to guide them through the maze of local government rules and relationships, and hopefully to a solution."

He added:

"We collect over £23m in business rates every year on behalf of the Government, and although we only get about a third of that back, we believe strongly it is our duty to get alongside the business community and help. Fit For Business means we are now on their wavelength.

"This is a campaign to forge new networks and I would urge businesses to grab it with both hands. There's never been a more important time to get the district's movers and shakers into one room and talking."

Businesses who want to come can call 01508 533666 or email lcc@s-norfolk.gov.uk.

Local MPs, market town mayors and Norfolk police representatives as well as those running some of the UK's world class businesses, which are based in South Norfolk, have been invited. Invitations began going out last week.

After early drinks with the Council Leader, Chairman and members of the Council's Cabinet, Councillor Fuller will introduce key Service Directors and "interview" them about their services, in front of business leaders.

After that, there's an opportunity to see service exhibition stands, talk to Council service leaders and swap contact details.

The aim is to hold the meetings every quarter.

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