Champion of small businesses

Small businesses make up the backbone of our local economy, and they have thrived under this government.

I set up a small business forum to enable our small businesses to have a voice and discuss the issues that are affecting them. We have some brilliant local entrepreneurs, and that culture is reviving our city in all sorts of ways. Walk around our streets now and you get a real sense of freshness and a “can-do” attitude. Our long-term economic plan has helped businesses survive challenging times, but now we are moving into a period when the growth the statistics have been showing actually starts to feel like a recovery among consumers.

We all need to support our local shops, pubs, and restaurants if we want them to survive, and we have to create a business climate that helps them. This government understands that it is our businesses that drive growth, jobs, and prosperity.