A HAMPSHIRE borough has been named one of the best in south in which to run a small business, thanks to the efforts of the council’s economic development team.

Eastleigh Borough Council has been highly commended in the eighth annual Local Small Business Friendly Awards 2016, for initiatives that promote a healthy local economy and champion the smaller business community.

The awards are run by the Wessex branch of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

Eastleigh Borough Council’s award came in the Best All Round Small Business Friendly category and it was presented by the former Shadow Business Secretary and ex-MP for Southampton Itchen, John Denham.

Natalie Wigman, the council’s corporate director of strategy, accepted the award on behalf of the council.

Among the initiatives recognised by the award are the council’s small business grants schemes, which have supported start-ups and funded training and other business needs for more established firms; a business advice service; free stall-space in the town’s market to coincide with major events.

The council-owned Business Centre in Wessex House - the base for the Southern Entrepreneurs support agency - and Tec Hub which provides support, including free office space, to small digital and tech businesses was also praised.

Cllr Derek Pretty, the cabinet member for Business, Skills and Education, said: “We’re very pleased to receive this award - and it is a tribute to the hard work and commitment of our team to ensuring that Eastleigh Borough remains a prosperous place.

“The council is committed to supporting local companies, which it does through a number of programmes, and to continually improving our offer to smaller businesses.”

The council has previously won the FSB’s award for Best Small Business Friendly Engagement, where it was cited for its “proud record of supporting over 1,000 small businesses, and actively engaging with them in a variety of innovative ways.”

Neil Eames, development manager for FSB in Dorset, Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said: “We are delighted to recognise the work undertaken by Eastleigh Borough Council and we are keen to help promote such examples of good practice to all councils, ultimately to help support our local business community.”