Sheffield Lib Dems in move to help Small Business

12.00.00am GMT Wed 5th Nov 2008

Liberal Democrat Sheffield City Council are set to propose measures to help out small businesses being hit by the credit crunch. A Lib Dem proposal for the Council to speed up paying invoices for small businesses was accepted at today's Full Council meeting.

Small businesses are vulnerable during the current economic climate and the Lib Dem Group, who control the Council, are keen to do as much as possible to help. This move will see the Council aiming to improve the current 30 days target for paying invoices for small businesses so that they receive payment for services or goods faster improving their cash flow.

This move comes on the back of the Lib Dems wider 'Delivering for Business' agenda. This includes measures to listen and engage more with business, introduce a 'buy local' policy and look at creating a 'one stop shop' for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

Councillor Sylvia Anginotti, Liberal Democrat Cabinet member for Employment and Enterprise, said: -

"It's vital that we look at what steps we can take to help local businesses during this difficult time. One such step that I believe is essential to look at is the speeding up of the payment of invoices by our council to small businesses. This would help their cash flow immensely and make a real difference."

"Small business are particularly vulnerable during the credit crunch and their survival is integral to our local economy, therefore I hope that the whole Council can support our proposal."

"This is part of our 'Delivering for Business' agenda which aims to help business on a wide range of issues. It just goes to show that the Council is serious about listening to and supporting local business, which is something that hasn't happened in the past under Labour."