Merton’s key business figures are all set to join council town hall officials on 14 February, at Merton Civic Centre, in a roundtable debate on local business plans.

Leader of Merton, Councillor Stephen Alambritis, hopes as many industry-led organisations, including Merton Chamber of Commerce, the Confederation of British Industry and the Federation of Small Businesses, will attend the meeting to represent the views of the wider business community.

Merton is a thriving borough with 5,500 local businesses, the vast majority of which are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). There are also a number of large companies with a base in Merton, including Ryman, Heineken, Lidl, Robert Dyas and Capsticks, the law firm.

Councillor Stephen Alambritis, who previously headed up public affairs at the Federation of Small Businesses, said: ‘While we have frozen Council Tax for the last two years, it has not been within my power to influence business rate levels, as these are set by Central Government. We are, however, continuing to use other ways to help businesses through the Merton Business Plan and Economic Development strategy.

‘I believe partnership working is one of the key ways forward for Merton. This will not only promote our local business network, but also help the very businesses that need support to grow and prosper in our borough.’

-ENDS-

Notes to editors:

– Those who want to attend the meeting should contact Jackie Aitken by phone on 0208 545 3325 or email business.rates@merton.gov.uk.

– Merton Council is consulting with business ratepayers on the Business Plan 2013-17, including the Budget for 2013-14, and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2013-17.

– Businesses in Merton are invited to attend the consultation meeting at the Civic Centre on Thursday 14 February, at 6.00pm, to discuss Merton’s budget proposals.

– Those who are not able to attend can still feed back their comments by letter or email. Letters should be addressed to Caroline Holland, Director of Corporate Services, Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5DX. Alternatively, email business.rates@merton.gov.uk, quoting your business name and address.

– Details of the proposed Business Plan will be considered by Cabinet on 18 February and will be viewable on the council’s website.

– The outcomes of the consultation will be considered as part of the Business Plan to be approved by full council on 6 March 2013.