Kemi Badenoch, the MP for the Saffron Walden constituency, has been out meeting with local business owners in Thaxted discussing the importance of supporting small businesses, particularly in the run up to Christmas.
Mrs Badenoch was there as part of Small Business Saturday, a campaign which encourages people to 'shop local' and back small businesses in their area.
Commenting, Mrs Badenoch said:
“This year in support of Small Business Saturday I have been speaking to business owners in Thaxted to discuss the importance of shopping locally and how it benefits our communities.
“Over the years we have seen a significant increase in online shopping and even more so since the start of the pandemic. This is leaving businesses and our highstreets under increasing pressure.
“We are very fortunate to have a variety of fantastic small businesses across the constituency. This year I had the pleasure of speaking with Debbie from Thaxted Laundry Room, Kate from Vintage Style Living and Sophie from Ladles and Jellyspoons, a Hairdressers and Barbers.
“By shopping from them or their service, you are not only supporting them but also supporting their local suppliers, from accountants and caterers, to graphic designers and IT consultancy.
“The Government is doing what it can to help our high streets. In the budget, I welcomed the new 50% business rates discount for retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors and earlier this year the New High Street Strategy, which set out our long-term plan to support the evolution and regeneration of our high streets.
“However, we must all play our part too. By going out and shopping locally, high streets like Saffron Walden, Dunmow and Thaxted will not only survive, they will thrive. The more we spend locally, not only will businesses prosper, but it supports jobs and our local economy.”
Sophie Box from Ladles and Jellyspoons added:
“Ladles & Jellyspoons would like to say a huge thank you to Kemi and her team for shining a light on supporting small businesses, we all need as much support as possible … now more than ever."
