WINCHESTER City Council has launched a charter to help nurture local business.

Stephen Gates, chairman of the Winchester Chamber of Commerce, signed the document with Cllr Robert Humby, portfolio holder for economic development.

Cllr Humby said: “We are putting business at the heart of our work. We also set out what we expect from the business community: participation in the projects we run and advice on ideas we have to help the local economy.”

Mr Gates, chief executive of Denplan, the city’s biggest private company, said: “I am delighted to sign the charter as a representative of the local business community. The chamber has a good relationship with the council, and we are kept fully informed of its work and future plans. I look forward to this relationship growing and becoming ever-stronger.”

The charter will be displayed in the council’s main reception, and is also available online.