Making sure we listen to the voices of our small businesses

Meet Matthew Webb, Oxfordshire County Council's new small business champion. The Bicester North councillor wants to ensure the voices of small and independent businesses are heard in the council’s decision-making

Small businesses are incredibly important to Oxfordshire. 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.

But running a small business is not always easy. Whether it is dealing with rising costs, recruitment and skills, transport and infrastructure, regulation, accessing support or simply finding the time to make their voice heard, small business owners face very real pressures.

I want this role to provide a strong link between those businesses and the county council. A key part of that will be listening. 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.

I also want to make sure that when we develop policies and make decisions, we properly consider their impact on small businesses. Sometimes relatively small changes can make a significant difference to somebody trying to run a business.

I intend to spend time meeting businesses and business organisations across Oxfordshire, including those in the county’s towns, villages and rural communities.

My priorities

• give small businesses a stronger voice within the county council
• meet business owners across Oxfordshire and hear directly about the challenges and opportunities they face
• improve communication between the council and the small business community
• champion independent and locally based businesses
• encourage the council to consider the impact on small businesses when developing policies and services
• help businesses better understand and access the support and opportunities available to them.

One thing I am particularly keen to avoid is assuming that we already know what businesses need. 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.

I want to get out and meet those businesses and listen to them. I would encourage small business owners from across Oxfordshire to get in touch and tell me what they think the priorities should be.

My experience

 Alongside my role as a county councillor, I have extensive professional experience working within the small business sector, including in the electronics distribution industry. My work has given me first-hand experience of many of the practical issues facing smaller companies, including working with customers and suppliers, quality and environmental standards, regulatory requirements and the day-to-day realities of operating and growing a business.

I believe this practical business experience, combined with my role representing residents and communities in Bicester, will help me bring a small business perspective into the council and build stronger relationships between Oxfordshire County Council and businesses throughout the county.

I know from my own working life that behind every small business are people taking risks, solving problems, employing people and working extremely hard to make their business succeed.

I see the small business champion role as being their advocate within the county council – someone who will listen, ask questions, challenge where necessary and, most importantly, help make sure that the experience of running a small business is considered when we make decisions.

If, at the end of my time in the role, more small businesses feel that Oxfordshire County Council understands them, listens to them and wants them to succeed, I will consider that a very worthwhile achievement.

Small businesses can contact Cllr Webb by emailing Matt.Webb@Oxfordshire.gov.uk