| Councils urged to 'keep trade local' |
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 Local councils could do a lot more to support small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).Simon Briault, spokesman for the FSB, said: "So many local council decisions affect the local market; the local council has control over planning decisions." He described how property planning, parking regulation, procurement and business rate relief were all areas in which local councils could aid SMEs. "There are also tax relief rates that some small business owners are not aware of," added Mr Briault. He explained that SMEs have rights to receive reductions of up to 50 per cent off their business rates. The FSB has launched a manifesto to encourage local authorities to champion small businesses entitled Keep Trade Local. A conference was held this week in the north-east of England to help small firms grow their business. The FSB ensuring future growth event at Gosforth Park attracted more than 350 people and 65 exhibitors.  |
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