Insight 40 - Magazine - Page 25
5. IMPROVED PUBLIC SERVICES:
- Customer-Centric Services - Businesses
bring a customer-focused perspective that
can improve the quality and delivery of
public services.
- Innovation in Public Sector - Business
involvement can drive innovation
in government services, leveraging
technology and best practices from the
private sector.
HOW TO EVOLVE AND
DEVELOP THE BUSINESS
VOICE IN LOCAL
GOVERNMENT
1. FORMAL ADVISORY BODIES:
- Business Councils - Establish business
councils or advisory boards that regularly
meet with local government officials to
discuss economic strategies and policies.
Hertfordshire Futures is a clear example
of this.
- Sector-Specific Committees - Create
committees focused on key industries
to provide specialised insights and
recommendations.
Hertfordshire Futures will have several
separate advisory boards.
2. PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS
(PPPS):
- Collaborative Projects - Encourage
PPPs to undertake projects that benefit
both the public and private sectors, such
as infrastructure development and social
initiatives.
- Shared Resources - Utilise resources
from both sectors to achieve common
goals, improving efficiency and
effectiveness.
government officials and business
leaders to enhance understanding and
collaboration.
- Knowledge Sharing - Facilitate
knowledge sharing sessions to spread best
practices and innovative solutions across
sectors.
5. TRANSPARENT AND INCLUSIVE
PROCESSES:
- Open Communication Channels Ensure transparent communication
channels between businesses and
government, fostering trust and
collaboration.
- Inclusive Policymaking - Involve a
diverse range of businesses, including
SMEs, in policymaking to ensure a broad
representation of interests.
6. TECHNOLOGY AND DATA UTILISATION:
- Data-Driven Decisions - Use data
analytics to inform decision-making
processes, ensuring policies are evidencebased and impactful.
- Digital Platforms - Develop digital
platforms for businesses to engage with
local government, provide feedback, and
access information.
7. NETWORKING AND COMMUNITY
BUILDING:
- Business Networks - Support the
formation of local business networks and
associations that can collectively engage
with government. The biz4Biz organisation
is a clear example of such Business
Networks.
- Community Events - Host events that
bring together businesses, government
officials, and the community to build
relationships and discuss shared goals.
The biz4Biz ConneXions and WebeXions
events are clear examples of this aspect.
8. FOCUS ON LONG-TERM VISION:
- Strategic Planning - Develop long-term
strategic plans that involve businesses in
the visioning process, aligning economic
development goals with community
needs.
- Resilience Planning - Involve
businesses in resilience planning to
prepare for economic, environmental, and
social challenges.
CONCLUSION
The business voice in local government
is essential for creating vibrant, resilient,
and prosperous communities. By actively
engaging businesses in policymaking
and development processes, local
governments can ensure that policies
are responsive to economic realities
and community needs. Evolving this
relationship requires continuous
dialogue, collaboration, and innovation,
ultimately leading to a more dynamic and
sustainable local economy.
ADRIAN HAWKINS OBE
Chairman - biz4Biz
Chairman - Hertfordshire Futures Board
Chairman - Stevenage Development Board
Chairman - Hertfordshire Skills & Employment Board
3. REGULAR DIALOGUE AND
ENGAGEMENT:
- Stakeholder Forums - Organise forums
and roundtable discussions that include
business leaders, government officials,
and community members to foster
dialogue and collaboration.
- Feedback Mechanisms - Implement
mechanisms for businesses to provide
regular feedback on policies and
regulations.
4. CAPACITY BUILDING AND EDUCATION:
- Training Programs - Offer training
and development programs for both
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