Spring 2018 Combined authority Backing business through BBfA A programme to deliver more consistent regulatory advice in the West Midlands aims to create more prosperous and competitive local economies The West Midlands Combined Authority (CA) had a second devolution deal agreed by the Treasury in November 2017. As part of the CAs strategy for supporting key regional industrial sectors and business growth, it has committed to: work with partners, including government, Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) and Growth Hubs, to develop a strategic approach to regulatory delivery, building on the Better Business for All (BBfA) national programme, overcoming regulatory barriers and supporting local priorities for growth and reform. This is significant recognition of the role that effective regulation has in delivering economic growth and successful businesses. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has prioritised supporting BBfA partnerships, with devolution deals that include strategic regulation. What is BBfA? BBfA aims to help local areas be recognised as good places to do business and, in turn, create more prosperous and competitive local economies Better Business for All is a government-backed programme to help regulators across a region develop a coordinated approach and deliver more consistent advice. This will improve communication with businesses, make it easier for them to understand what regulatory support is available, and demonstrate how good regulation is a benefit to business. There are three BBfA initiatives across the West Midlands CA Black Country, Greater Birmingham and Solihull, and Coventry and Warwickshire. Other BBfA initiatives exist across the region, as well as in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, and Worcestershire. Purpose and membership BBfA brings together businesses and regulators in partnerships that aim to identify the issues facing local enterprise, and to shape the provision of effective support by local regulators. Typically, this is done with the support of LEPs, which can choose to adopt the BBfA programme. Objectives and benefits The key objectives of BBfA are to: noffer advice and support to business nincrease business awareness of regulatory support nensure effective coordination across regulatory services nsimplify the local regulatory system and processes nreduce the regulatory burden on businesses nestablish partnerships between regulatory services and local businesses By removing barriers to growth, BBfA aims to help local areas be recognised as good places to do business and, in turn, create more prosperous and competitive local economies. This approach brings benefits to: nbusinesses in the region nregulators nLocal Enterprise Partnerships nthe local authority nconsumers and residents npartner organisations and establishments How can I get involved? All BBfA initiatives are keen to engage with businesses and business organisations, so they can help build the foundations of a successful partnership. Contact your local BBfA to find out what it can do to help your business or sector. You can also attend local networking events to spread the word about BBfA. Credit: Bob Charnley Images: iStock.com / baona To get involved, contact your local Growth Hub (see panel). For more information about BBfA, click here. LEP Growth Hubs there for you If you are a small or medium-sized business requiring advice or support, contact your local Growth Hub. Its team of experts can help you with a range of issues, including: nWriting a business plan nRunning a limited company nAdvice on business premises nBusiness tax nLicences and regulation nBusiness finance and support nBusiness debt nSelling/closing down a business nEmploying/training staff nStarting a business So contact your nearest Hub: Stoke & Staffordshire Growth Hub Call 0300 111 8002 or email Businessenquiries@ stokestaffslep.org.uk Greater Birmingham & Solihull Growth Hub Call 0800 032 3488 or email info@gbslepgrowthhub.co.uk Black Country Growth Hub Call 01902 321272 or email enquiries@bcgrowthhub.com Coventry & Warwickshire Growth Hub Call 0300 456 3565 or email: contact@cwgrowthhub.co.uk Marches Growth Hub Call 0345 6000 727 or email enquiries@marchesgrowthhub.co.uk Worcestershire Growth Hub Call 01905 677888 or email info@business-central.co.uk Credit: Karen Woolley, development manager, Federation of Small Businesses For further information please contact your local Trading Standards Service