At the Regulatory Excellence Awards in June 2019 the judges awarded the Business Advice and Support Partnership the highly commended award in the Primary Authority category.
The partnership was established in 2017 and consists of East Sussex County Council, Kent County Council, Hampshire County Council and Slough Borough Council. The partnership focuses on sharing expertise, knowledge and resources across geographical boundaries quickly and effectively to provide high level support to businesses.
The Business Advice and Support Partnership delivers over 120 Primary Authority partnerships including 16 co-ordinated partnerships and in sectors as diverse as hot tub suppliers, food manufacturers and toy importers. It provides advice on devolved matters in Wales and all Primary Authority Advice goes through cross authority peer review process before it is issued.
The partnership uses different communication methods to ensure that intelligence, expertise, experience and learning are shared. Currently it is focusing on the growth of Primary Authority partnership numbers and engagement, especially with co-ordinated partnerships, to maximise the number of businesses receiving regulatory support and advice.