December is always a busy month for our local businesses, and Small Business Saturday last week was an important reminder of what our pubs, restaurants and independent shops bring to our towns. In the run-up to the Autumn Budget, many businesses contacted me about the pressures they face and their concerns about how the Government’s decisions may affect them. These challenges are not new, yet are holding back growth at a time when local economies across the country need support.
I recently met members of the Kenilworth Chamber of Trade at their quarterly business breakfast, where we discussed the Budget’s impact on local firms and the need for the Government to move quickly with credible, growth-driven measures that give businesses the confidence to keep investing and employing locally.
The festive period is particularly important for hospitality businesses, many of which rely on the busy winter period to sustain them through quieter months. It is clear to me, talking to several hospitality business owners in recent weeks, that finding suitable staff remains a serious challenge, and rising operating costs often coincide with uncertain consumer demand, squeezing already narrow margins. On top of this, the reduction in relief for smaller retail, hospitality and leisure premises means many will see higher bills next year, a pressure compounded by revaluations that have raised rateable values across much of the sector.
Yet the festive season also offers an opportunity for practical support. Whatever our views of the Budget, we can still back local businesses directly. I would encourage everyone to buy at least one Christmas present from a local shop, or visit one of our pubs or restaurants over the holidays. These businesses work hard all year, employ local people and play an important role in supporting our high streets.
A strong hospitality sector benefits the whole community. It deserves a system that supports its long-term future, not one that makes survival more difficult. But for now, as we look ahead to Christmas, I hope residents will continue to champion the local businesses that make our towns such special places at this time of year.
