Witham MP, Priti Patel, visited ETC Sports Services, a leading provider of high-quality sports surfaces, to hear first-hand how Labour’s recent budget is piling financial pressure onto small businesses. Rising employer National Insurance contributions and increased business rates are stretching companies like ETC Sports Services to the limit, putting jobs, investment and the provision of high-quality services to schools at risk.
For over 30 years, ETC Sports Services has helped schools, local authorities, and sports clubs develop high-quality pitches, athletics tracks, and multi-use games areas. However, instead of being supported in their role of delivering world-class facilities for grassroots sports, they now face mounting costs due to Labour’s punitive business tax hikes.
The latest budget changes mean that from April, businesses will see a 6% rise in employer National Insurance contributions, coupled with higher business rates, increasing the cost of employing staff and investing in new projects. As a result, local companies are being forced to scale back growth plans, with fears that some may struggle to stay afloat altogether.
Following the visit, Priti Patel said:
"Labour's budget is a hammer blow to businesses like ETC Sports Services. Instead of supporting investment, they are punishing businesses with tax hikes that make it harder to hire, expand, and compete. The government should be backing businesses that drive growth, not burdening them with higher costs that stifle ambition and put jobs at risk."
The iMpact of Labour’s policies is being felt across the country, as businesses warn that these tax increases will ultimately filter down to consumers and communities. If grassroots sports facilities become more expensive to build and maintain, it will be local schools, clubs, and aspiring athletes who pay the price.
Bradley Wells, Finance Manager at ETC, stated:
“It was a pleasure meeting Priti, a fellow business-minded professional, and engaging in a meaningful discussion about the importance of supporting local, family-run small businesses and the need for these businesses to receive the recognition they deserve and the positive impact this has on the community. It was particularly inspiring to learn about her collaboration with local councils and sports facilities, working to secure essential funding for much-needed revitalisation projects.”
