Witham MP Priti Patel recently visited Stanway Garden Centre in her Witham constituency to discuss the serious challenges facing the horticultural sector following Labour’s tax increases on businesses and jobs.
During the visit, Priti met with Amy Stubbs, the Managing Director of British Garden Centre, hearing first-hand about the growing financial pressures being placed on garden centres across the country. The discussion focused on rising employment costs driven by increased National Insurance contributions, soaring energy prices that are vital to the sector, and the impact of higher business rates, all of which are making it increasingly difficult for already struggling businesses to survive.
The conversation highlighted the vital role garden centres and horticultural businesses play in supporting local employment, contributing to the local economy, and serving communities, while also underlining the mounting concern that Labour’s policies are putting their future at risk.
Speaking after the visit, Priti said:
“I was delighted to visit Stanway Garden Centre and to speak directly with Amy, their Managing Director, about the real pressures their business is facing. Garden centres like this are a cornerstone of our local economy, providing jobs and serving families across our community, yet they are being hit hard by Labour’s damaging policies.
It is deeply worrying to hear how rising employment costs, higher business rates and escalating energy prices are placing unsustainable pressure on businesses in the horticultural sector. Many of these businesses are already operating on tight margins, and Labour’s policies are making it even harder for them to plan for the future.
Local businesses are the backbone of our economy, and they deserve a government that supports them rather than penalises them. Only the Conservatives have a clear and credible plan to back businesses, protect jobs and deliver the growth that communities like Witham depend on.”
