Council Staff Helpful and Professional
Tuesday, January 9 2007
More than 600 local companies responded to a survey to find out how well Scottish Borders Council is serving the business community.
The overwhelming response was positive with SBC staff in every department being rated highly for the helpful and professional way in which they carry out their duties. Over 91% of respondents to the survey agreed or strongly agreed that staff were professional with them and their business dealings.
The survey, 'Supporting Business?' was carried out by SBC to establish how well it is fulfilling its statutory and regulatory functions in, for example; waste collection, parking provision, trading standards, licensing, environmental health, planning, building standards and rates revaluation.
The Supporting Business review is a joint effort by SBC's Scrutiny committee and the Scottish Federation of Small Businesses. It is managed by a working party, chaired by SBC Councillor Vicky Davidson.
She said: "This was the biggest survey of businesses we've ever undertaken and we were very pleased that so many businesses took time to complete the questionnaire. The results were very encouraging but nevertheless we asked every Head of Service to look at all the comments and focus on how they could be even more 'business friendly'. Some of these improvements are already being implemented."
The only service to get a negative rating in the survey for two questions was the Council's Commercial Waste Collection which businesses did not agree provided value for money and criticised the lack of recycling options. A recycling service for commercial waste has now been introduced and other improvements to the service are being considered.
A feedback session will be held on Tuesday, January 23rd at 6.30pm in the Council Chambers for representatives from businesses who took part in the survey.
Businesses which completed the survey were entered into a prize draw for a Champagne Dinner Bed and Breakfast for Two, courtesy of the Macdonald Cardrona Hotel, Golf and Country Club. The lucky winner was Kinsman Blake Ceramics of Smailholm, Kelso.
Unified Solutions.