Businesses around Borehamwood and Elstree will have the chance to pitch their services to the council.

Hertsmere Borough Council has changed its rules to allow local suppliers to be given the best opportunity to provide quotes for their services.

The move was agreed at the authority's last meeting and means local businesses will be invited to provide quotes for council contracts of less than £20,000.

Director of resources Sajida Bijle said: "Although Hertsmere as a borough has a relatively strong economy, several local businesses have of course suffered from the economic downturn, so we are doing our very best to support them wherever possible.

“This measure, along with the recently-announced discounts on business rates, shows that we are committed as a council to helping Hertsmere grow further as a business hub.”

The council has now started to build a list of local suppliers to consult when tendering.