Small businesses are the lifeblood of local communities across the country. In my Aldridge-Brownhills constituency they remain the backbone of our High Streets, Village Centres, and Industrial Estates. Last year there were a record 5.5 million businesses across the country and that is why I am delighted to be once again backing this year’s Small Business Saturday to showcase some of the amazing enterprise and innovation we have locally and the contribution small businesses make to our economy on a daily basis.
Since 2010 there have been over a million new businesses nationally, 99% of which are Small Medium Enterprises. Across the UK small businesses give 12.5 million hard working families the security of a weekly income. There are so many fantastic small businesses employing people locally and serving our community from day to day.
As someone who set up a family business, I know from first-hand experience the risks and challenges which people take. Since first being elected in 2015 I have had the privilege to meet many small businesses who are working hard to serve their customers, grow their business and play an active role in improving employment opportunities for local people.
I am proud of this Government’s record over the last seven years in its support for businesses and creating jobs. However, we can do more and we should do more. I am determined to continue to champion the needs of small business; support them in our local community and represent their views in Government.
This year’s Small Business Saturday will be taking place on Saturday 2 December and I will be out and about across Aldridge-Brownhills talking to the small businesses on our High Streets and in our Village Centres, but I also want to hear from you about what more the Government can be doing to ensure we continue to see increasing numbers of small businesses and jobs created in Aldridge-Brownhills.
If you are a local business, please feel free to get in touch with your thoughts and ideas or if you would like me to visit your company to learn more about the work you are doing. Businesses be they large or small, matter for jobs, skills and the prosperity of our economy.