The views of small businesses will be taken on board by Shropshire Council thanks to a new formal pledge signed by authority bosses.

Shropshire Council and the Federation of Small Businesses signed an agreement to formalise the way the council will work with the small business community, to ensure their views are taken into account in the council’s decision-making processes.

The Small Business Engagement Accord sets out a number of principles which will promote the importance of the council listening to the views of small businesses.

The agreement also provides a chance to reinforce to all councillors the importance of working with the business community.

Councillor Keith Barrow, leader of Shropshire Council, said: “Small businesses are vital to the economy of Shropshire. Signing this accord confirms that Shropshire Council takes their views very seriously and is making a pledge to seek their opinions on issues that matter to them.

“We already have a close working relationship with the Shropshire branch of the FSB. Its chairwoman, Ann Johnson, is one of the most active members of the Shropshire Business Board and Business Ambassador network and has led a review of the council’s procurement policies to make them more accessible to smaller businesses.

“I thank Ann for her continuing commitment to working with us and I am confident that, with her guidance and taking on board the views of the FSB members, the council will be well informed of small business perspective in its decision-making processes.”

Ann added: “I applaud the work carried out to date by Shropshire Council in its communication with, and true involvement of, businesses in Shropshire, through the Business Board, the Ambassador programme and the openness of the Business Summit debates.

“However, it must not stop here and in signing the accord I ask that every decision made within the council is assessed against its impact on business, whether negative or positive, and whether this be in relation to education, skills, communities, social care, transport — the list goes on.

“Business are always happy to be consulted on these vital issues and we do need to keep talking.”