Dudley Council is today pledging to cut red tape and simplify how it buys in services to make it easier for firms to do business with the authority.

A new initiative launched this week, the Dudley Deal establishes an informal agreement between the council and anyone who lives, works or runs a business in the borough. It aims to create a better and more prosperous borough for all.

Through the Dudley Deal for Business, the council sets out what it will commit to and how businesses can play their part in growing the borough’s economy. Among its commitments, the council will cut red tape to make it easier for firms to do business with it and support business start-up and business growth through ‘Dudley Business First.

Businesses can do their bit by actively looking for opportunities to supply goods and services to Dudley Council, buying local and using local supply chains where possible and recruiting locally and offering work placements and apprenticeships. Councillor Simon Phipps, cabinet member for procurement transformation and commercialisation said:

"We’re committed to doing our bit to make it clear that Dudley is open for business, making our borough a more prosperous place for everyone to live and do business.

"Supporting local businesses is one of the council's top priorities. The Dudley Deal for Business sets out our commitment to make it easier for firms to work with us, cutting the red tape that can so often puts smaller businesses off. But we believe businesses can play their part too. By recruiting locally, looking for opportunities to supply goods and services to the council and buying through local supply chains together we can support our local economy."

As part of the Dudley Deal for Business the council will be cutting red tape through a series of measures which will include simplifying terms and conditions for businesses and making the authority more accessible by streamlining the process between the authority and potential contractors.