Business drives growth in Britain; entrepreneurship, competition, and innovation have fuelled our nation’s development for centuries.
In Surrey and Hampshire, there is a wealth of local industrial history, including everything from milling, agriculture, brewing, construction and manufacturing.
This Saturday marks Small Business Saturday, a national initiative celebrating small enterprises and encouraging communities to ‘shop local’.
In 2023, this grassroots campaign saw over £669 million spent at small businesses in one day. Events like this spotlight the enduring importance of small businesses in creating jobs, fostering innovation, and driving growth.
The Conservative Party has long championed policies to support such businesses, ensuring they remain at the heart of the economy. Conservative-led initiatives like Small Business Rates Relief, VAT thresholds set among the highest in Europe, and an increase in the employment allowance to £5,000 have created a business-friendly environment.
Additionally, targeted measures like the Women’s Code and the Lilac Review have empowered female and disabled entrepreneurs, enabling more diverse participation in the UK’s entrepreneurial success story.
During the past fortnight, I have visited small businesses across our constituency —from local cafés and independent shops to family-owned workshops.
The reality is small businesses are at the heart of our community; they often sponsor community events, provide spaces for people of all ages to socialise, and can tailor their services to the needs of their customer-base.
I’ve witnessed firsthand the resilience and creativity of these enterprises, as well as their gratitude for Conservative policies that have reduced their financial burdens and encouraged growth.
I am concerned by the actions of our new Government, who seemingly fails to understand that it is small businesses that often pay the heaviest toll, not international corporations and national supermarkets.
Labour have reduced the relief for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses. They have imposed a new jobs tax on employers, estimated to cost £615 more a year per employee.
I fear the Employment Rights Bill, currently being rushed through with haste, will destabilise the jobs market and crash business confidence in the UK.
The Conservative track record is one of action, not rhetoric. Our Party understands that reducing bureaucracy, incentivising innovation, and empowering business owners is the way to drive prosperity. With this foundation, small businesses can thrive, and communities can prosper.
This Saturday, I encourage everyone to recognise the vital role of small enterprises and to support their local economy by shopping local.
I remain committed to championing policies that promote growth and opportunity for small businesses, ensuring they continue to be the backbone of Britain’s success.