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Information for businesses

The Council and its partners are taking a number of practical steps to support businesses during the current economic downturn:

The Council supports its town centres in a number of ways. Car parking charges have been reduced through increasing the length of stay for the same charge. It is hoped that this will encourage local residents to visit the town centres, helping local businesses.
The Council will consider applications for relief from business rates on the grounds of hardship and encourages small businesses to apply for small business relief where they are entitled.
The Council's policy is to pay its suppliers promptly, helping suppliers to manage their cash flow. The Council aims to pay suppliers within 10 days.
The Council considers commercial tenants with issues of rent affordability each on their own merits, and encourages tenants to pay monthly to assist their cash flow problems. The Council’s debt recovery policy ensures fair and reasonable actions are taken to recover debt. The recently completed Hoddesdon Industrial Centre Phase development leases have ‘easy in – easy out’ clauses to enable flexibility for new businesses at reduced risk. Details on commercial properties to rent can be found in the related links section.
The annual business fair offers attendees the chance to take advantage of business information and advice and networking opportunities.
The annual jobs and skills fair offers employers the chance to meet a variety of possible new employees for vacancies they would like to fill.
The East of England Development Agency has produced a leaflet offering advice and guidance for employers and their employees during the economic downturn. It also provides experienced business advisors to assist with improving the efficiency of struggling businesses and can provide financial support to entrepreneurs.
Business Link are offering free support to find finance, raise productivity, or save money by reducing waste and saving energy.
NextStep are offering courses and training which may help small and medium businesses in information, communications and technology (ICT), supervisory management, and basic skills (literacy, numeracy and communications). It also offers business owners information, advice and guidance on business development opportunities, including a range of short courses on topics such as customer service, marketing, health and safety and employment law.