I was delighted to celebrate this year’s Small Business Saturday and to highlight the vital contribution that small enterprises make to our community. Essex is a county of entrepreneurs, and Witham is no exception. From innovative start-ups and family-run retailers to specialist manufacturers and creative firms, our constituency is home to a diverse range of thriving small businesses whose hard work and ingenuity underpin both our local and national economy.
Small and medium-sized enterprises provide nearly 80 per cent of jobs in Witham, making their success essential to the prosperity and resilience of our area. I have always been proud to champion our small businesses, regularly meeting with local owners to hear about their achievements, the challenges they face, and their plans for future growth.
Witham’s small businesses are truly the backbone of our community. Their innovation, determination and commitment to local people are inspiring, and it is always a pleasure to visit so many fantastic firms and see first-hand the contribution they make to jobs and growth. I encourage everyone to continue supporting our local shops and enterprises throughout the year.
The new Conservative plan to boost local businesses, create jobs and strengthen the economy will abolish high street business rates, a huge boost for our small firms. Under this plan, local shops, pubs and restaurants in Witham will save thousands of pounds on their tax bills, with the average pub saving £9,600. This major tax cut will support not only high street businesses but also rural enterprises such as farm shops, ensuring that small and medium-sized retail, hospitality and leisure firms can thrive.
This pro-business approach stands in stark contrast to Labour’s record of hitting high streets with crippling tax rises, including doubling business rates and introducing their National Insurance Jobs Tax. The Conservatives have also pledged to repeal the Employment Rights Bill, which would impose costly burdens on small business owners and could cost firms £154 per worker.
Small business Saturday has once again showcased the strength and spirit of Witham’s business community, reinforcing our reputation as a great place to start, grow and support local enterprise. Only the Conservatives will continue to back this entrepreneurial spirit and ensure our small businesses can flourish.
