<\/p>\n
\n Matthew Webb, county councillor for Bicester North, was appointed Oxfordshire County Council\u2019s small business champion on September 8.\n<\/p>\n
\n He said he is committed to strengthening the voice of small and independent businesses.\n<\/p>\n
\n Councillor Webb said: “Small businesses are incredibly important to Oxfordshire.\n<\/p>\n
\n “They create jobs, support our high streets and town centres, innovate, invest in their communities and contribute enormously to the character and prosperity of the places in which we live.”\n<\/p>\n
\n He acknowledged the pressures faced by small business owners, from rising costs and recruitment challenges to navigating regulation and infrastructure issues.\n<\/p>\n
\n Councillor Webb said: “Small business owners face very real pressures.\n<\/p>\n
\n “I want this role to provide a strong link between those businesses and the county council.\n<\/p>\n
\n “A key part of that will be listening.\n<\/p>\n
\n “I want to hear directly from businesses about what is working, what isn’t, and where the council can either help or make it easier for businesses to succeed.”\n<\/p>\n
\n He also emphasised the importance of considering the impact of council policies on small businesses.\n<\/p>\n
\n He said: “Sometimes relatively small changes can make a significant difference to somebody trying to run a business.”\n<\/p>\n
\n The small business champion role, like other member champion positions at the council, is unpaid and non-decision-making.\n<\/p>\n
\n It is designed to support cabinet members and assist in policy development.\n<\/p>\n
\n Councillor Webb plans to meet with businesses and business organisations across the county, including those in towns, villages, and rural areas.\n<\/p>\n
\n He said: “One thing I am particularly keen to avoid is assuming that we already know what businesses need.\n<\/p>\n
\n “Oxfordshire has an extraordinarily diverse economy, and the challenges facing a shop in one of our market towns may be very different from those facing a rural business, a manufacturer, a technology company or somebody who has just started working for themselves.”\n<\/p>\n
\n In addition to his role on the council, Councillor Webb has extensive professional experience in the small business sector, particularly in electronics distribution.\n<\/p>\n
\n He has worked directly with customers and suppliers and is familiar with the regulatory, quality, and environmental standards that affect small businesses.\n<\/p>\n
\n Councillor Laura Gordon, the council\u2019s cabinet member for environment and economy, welcomed his appointment.\n<\/p>\n
\n She said: “Small businesses are at the heart of our communities and are a key pillar of Oxfordshire\u2019s economy.\n<\/p>\n
\n “I\u2019m looking forward to working with Councillor Webb to ensure we\u2019re supporting small businesses across the county to thrive.”\n<\/p>\n
#Oxfordshire #County #Council #appoints #small #business #champion<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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