As our high streets and local traders grapple with the challenges of the economic climate, I’ll continue to work hard to champion them and ensure they have the support they need to grow. As someone who previously worked as an entrepreneur I know the effort, dedication and long hours required to turn a business start-up into a sustainable venture.
Every December we have ‘Small Business Saturday’ to celebrate small and independent businesses, and I often spend the day meeting with local traders to find out what they do and how I and my colleagues in Westminster can support them further.
As part of the Government’s commitment to ‘Levelling Up’ I helped bring together Halesowen BID and Dudley Council to bring about measures to increase footfall into the town centre, with adequate provisions for those on foot, cycling and travelling by vehicle. I was pleased that our Levelling Up bid was successful in 2023, and I’m continuing to work with local stakeholders, as well as my colleagues in Westminster, to ensure that the plans become a reality.