Two Somerset Councils have been shortlisted for an award recognising the support they offer small businesses

Somerset County Council and Somerset West and Taunton Council both achieved the shortlist for a prestigious regional award in recognition of their work to help and support the local small business community. 

Both Councils joined the majority of councils in the South West who entered the inaugural Local Government awards run by Britain's biggest business representation group and were shortlisted for regional success in the Future Ready category. 

Local authorities from all across England – including North Somerset, Somerset County Council and all 4 district councils responded to the call when FSB(Federation of Small Businesses) launched their inaugural Local Government awards sponsored by Maybe*, which were aimed at celebrating and recognising those that had made the biggest impact on local SMEs during the Covid crisis and beyond. 

 At Friday's virtual online final both Somerset West and Taunton and Somerset County Councils were revealed as being on the South West regional shortlist in a category eventually won by East Devon Council who then went on to battle for the national title on the day.  

FSB Development Manager for Somerset and Wiltshire, Ruth Lambert, said they are very pleased that the hard work of both councils has been put in the spotlight. 

 Among other councils who were shortlisted for regional success were Swindon Borough Council in the best programme of business support category.