Local MP for North West Essex Kemi Badenoch, met with local businesses in Dunmow in aid of Small Business Saturday to champion the importance of shopping local.
Mrs. Badenoch visited The Little Bagel Box Shop, Dunmow’s first bagel shop, where she met owner Francesca Simmons. Francesca spoke about her journey from operating a food truck to opening a successful brick-and-mortar shop with her partner, David Ludlow, six months ago. The shop is now a favourite for locals, serving authentic Brick Lane bagels and a variety of fresh, made-to-order options.
She went on to visit The Rose Garden Florist, where she met owner Stephanie Harris. Stephanie, who founded the shop in 2015 and now employs nine staff across two locations, shared her thoughts on the challenges facing small businesses, including Labour’s increases to employer National Insurance Contributions and business rates.
Mrs. Badenoch’s final visit was to Greetings of Dunmow, a card and balloon shop run by Beverley Palmer and her partner Paul Brown. Beverley reflected on her journey from market stallholder to running a well-loved high street business for over a decade, while raising concerns about the strain of rising costs on small enterprises.
Commenting, Mrs. Badenoch said
“Small businesses like The Little Bagel Box, The Rose Garden, and Greetings of Dunmow are so important to our local communities. They bring character to our high streets, provide jobs, and help keep our local economy thriving.
“Which is why on Small Business Saturday this year I have been encouraging residents to shop local, particularly during the festive period. We must support all of our fantastic businesses across North West Essex, because if we don’t, we will lose them.”
Commenting, Stephanie Harris, owner of The Rose Garden Florist said:
“We were delighted to see Kemi visit our Dunmow High St florists shop and to hear of her passionate interest and support for local small businesses and the issues we face in the current difficult economic climate.”
