WEST Devon Borough Council has won a top award for its support of local businesses from the country's lead trade organisation. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has awarded the council its Flexible Landlord Standard. The council is one of just 50 local authorities in the country to be given the award. The council has been praised by the BRC for accepting commercial rents on monthly terms rather than asking for them three months in advance. The council recognises that the new rent terms make it easier for the cash flow of businesses. Cllr Jayne Hill, chairman of the council's environment and community committee, said: 'West Devon has many smaller retailers who are vital to the health and vibrancy of local communities. They would struggle to find a whole three months rent in one go. 'We're delighted to support businesses in this initiative and to have won credit from the Building Retail Consortium for doing do.' The BRC is now calling on commercial landlords to follow the example set by the public sector and show a similar commitment to more flexible terms.
