Merton has won the prize for Best All-Round Small Business Friendly Borough in a business award ceremony.
The award, organised by the London Region of The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and London Councils, recognised the council’s efforts in supporting the borough’s small business community last week.
More than £2million was invested by Merton council in various initiatives, collaborating with the Merton Chamber of Commerce, the Merton Business Support Service (MBSS), Merton Business Loan Funds, Wimbletech and creating the Merton Business Directory.
Business owners across the borough expressed their delight at running their shops in the award-winning area.
Wimbledon Party Shop owner Jussara Menegotto, 61, said: “We are so happy to have very good customers.”
A worker at the Adam Time Surgery shop is equally enthusiastic of his patrons.
He explained: “If you are good to people, they are good to you.”
Leader of Merton Council, Councillor Stephen Alambritis, said: “In Merton we’re proud to be home to thousands of dynamic small businesses.
“Congratulations to everyone, including our partners, who have worked hard to help small businesses in Merton.”
London regional chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, Steve Warwick said: “Small and medium enterprises make up 99 per cent of the businesses in the capital.
“They are the lifeblood driving the economic heart of London.
“Anything which councils do that makes life easier for small businesses and provides them with new opportunities to grow and develop must be applauded.”
