Ahead of the 10th Anniversary of Small Business Saturday Ruth Cadbury MP has hailed small businesses locally as the ‘lifeblood of our economy’ and encouraged people to support small businesses in the run up to the holidays.
Ruth also pledged her support for several policies to support small businesses such as scrapping the outdated business rates system, improving apprenticeships for young workers entering the workforce and improving the rights for self-employed workers.
According to the Federation of Small Businesses, SMEs make up 99% of the business population in the UK and create 16 million jobs. Now in its tenth year, Small Business Saturday celebrates this success and encourages consumers to 'shop local' and to support businesses in their communities.
Speaking in full ahead of Saturday Ruth Cadbury MP said,
“I am delighted to support this tenth anniversary year of Small Business Saturday. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and play a huge role in our community. We’re so lucky to have an amazing range of businesses across our local area- whether its cafes on Chiswick High Road, restaurants in Isleworth or vibrant shops around Hounslow Town Centre.
Small businesses play a huge role in our economy by providing jobs to people locally and allowing people to spend and put money back into our high streets and local economy. I really hope that people support them in the run-up to the holidays and I will be making sure to do as much Christmas shopping as I can in them.
I know from visiting businesses across our local area over the recent weeks and months that they’re facing huge hardships and struggles. Whether it’s the outdated business rates system clobbering them with high taxes, or the difficulty in sourcing much needed supplies or workers. The Government need to be doing much more to support them.
That’s why I’m calling for the Government to scrap the outdated business rates system and make sure online business giants pay their fair share of tax. Small businesses locally deserve a level playing field. I also support extending protections for self-employed workers to give them the support they need- such as the right for sick pay.
I will continue to stand up for small businesses locally and ensure that the Government does much more to support them.