Oxfordshire’s new small business champion sets out his plans for role
Oxfordshire County Council’s new small business champion says he wants to ensure the voices of small and independent businesses are heard in the council’s decision-making.
Councillor Matthew Webb, who represents Bicester North, was appointed to the role on Tuesday and hopes to use the position to build stronger links between the council and the thousands of small businesses that contribute to Oxfordshire’s economy and communities.
Cllr Webb said: “Small businesses are incredibly important to Oxfordshire. They create jobs, support our high streets and town centres, innovate, invest in their communities and contribute enormously to the character and prosperity of the places in which we live.
“But running a small business is not always easy. Whether it is dealing with rising costs, recruitment and skills, transport and infrastructure, regulation, accessing support or simply finding the time to make their voice heard, small business owners face very real pressures.
“I want this role to provide a strong link between those businesses and the county council. A key part of that will be listening. I want to hear directly from businesses about what is working, what isn't, and where the council can either help or make it easier for businesses to succeed.
“I also want to make sure that when we develop policies and make decisions, we properly consider their impact on small businesses. Sometimes relatively small changes can make a significant difference to somebody trying to run a business.”
Like other member champion roles, such as active travel and cycling, and public transport, the small business champion is an unpaid and non-decision-making position aimed at supporting cabinet members and assisting in policy development.
Cllr Webb said he intends to meet businesses and business organisations across Oxfordshire, including those in the county’s towns, villages and rural communities.
“One thing I am particularly keen to avoid is assuming that we already know what businesses need,” he added. “Oxfordshire has an extraordinarily diverse economy, and the challenges facing a shop in one of our market towns may be very different from those facing a rural business, a manufacturer, a technology company or somebody who has just started working for themselves.”
Alongside his role as a county councillor, he has extensive professional experience working within the small business sector, including in the electronics distribution industry.
His work has given him first-hand experience of many of the practical issues facing smaller companies, including working with customers and suppliers, quality and environmental standards, regulatory requirements and the day-to-day realities of operating and growing a business.
Councillor Laura Gordon, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy, said: “Small businesses are at the heart of our communities and are a key pillar of Oxfordshire’s economy. I’m looking forward to working with Cllr Webb to ensure we’re supporting small businesses across the county to thrive.”
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