Priti Patel, Member of Parliament for Witham, met with staff and bakers when she visited Tiptree Patisserie in Witham to discuss the array of challenges facing independent businesses in the food, retail and hospitality sector in the current economic climate.
During the visit, Priti toured the bakery’s facilities and discussed a range of issues with employees as well as the business’s wider contribution to the economy. Tiptree Patisserie is well-known across Essex and the country for its high-quality handmade cakes and pastries, and has been a key employer in the region and a proud supporter of British produce.
Priti praised the business’s commitment to quality, stating:
"It is always a pleasure to visit Tiptree Patisserie, which produces high quality foods that make the wonderful Essex County so special. Despite the significant pressures businesses are facing from this Labour government with higher business taxes and employment costs, Tiptree Patisserie’s dedication to quality continues to shine through."
During the visit Priti also highlighted the importance of having government policies that support small and medium-sized enterprises, all of which has declined over recent months.
"Local businesses like Tiptree Patisserie play a vital role in our economy and communities. They create jobs, invest in skills, and contribute to our heritage. It is essential that they are given the right support to grow and succeed," she added.
Priti reaffirmed her commitment to supporting and representing local businesses during this challenging period and called for the government to stop their assault on business through increased regulatory burdens and the escalation of business and employment costs. She called for practical measures to promote investment and help enterprises flourish across Essex and the UK.