The Northwood Hills Town Centre Independents Day campaign, supported by the Mayor of London, was honoured at the first 'Small Business Friendly Borough Awards' last week.

Organised by the London region of The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and London Councils the awards celebrate work local authorities have put in place to support small and micro business communities in a tough economic climate.

Hillingdon Council faced tough competition from other boroughs but was commended for encouraging residents to support small businesses in Northwood Hills by trying "something local, somewhere local".

Cllr Jonathan Bianco, Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Business Services and Northwood Hills Ward Councillor said: "Our residents have told us it's important for them to have vibrant, thriving, local high streets, which is why Hillingdon Council has made a commitment to invest in our town centres. This award marks us out as a council doing its best to support local businesses.

"This commendation is testament to what can be achieved in partnership with the council, small businesses and the local community. We are very proud that this has been recognised by the Federation of Small Businesses and London Councils."

The Northwood Hills Independents Day, held in June, saw more than 36 independent traders in the town centre draw attention to the goods and services they offer. Shoppers on Joel Street received branded gift bags and one day only discounts, while businesses reported an increased number of visitors out in force to rediscover their town centre.

Hillingdon Council is now helping small businesses to promote special discounts to residents through the HillingdonFirst card, which also offers residents preferential rates at council parking, leisure facilities and other council services.

Planning for a similar event later in the year is now underway as part of the wider regeneration investment in Northwood Hills Town Centre, creating a more attractive look and feel within Joel Street, including a central boulevard with trees, more parking spaces and shop front grants to upgrade the town centre.

More information about Hillingdon Council's work transforming the borough's town centres can be found at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/towncentres