Thriving high streets are important for our communities so, as part of Independent Retailer Month, I took the opportunity to visit businesses in Thrapston and Oundle. 

It was a chance to listen to their concerns and hopes and to see what changes the Government can make to protect these businesses that play such a vital role in our communities. 

The retailers I visited included  

Savvi Travel 

Oundle Bookshop 

Milestones Florist Ltd 

Colemans of Oundle 

H Johnson & Sons 

Thrapston Barbershop  

Funky Lil Feet 

Issues threatening their businesses included reduced consumer footfall and spending, competition from on-line shops, high business rates, rising energy bills and increased costs. They believe a period of economic stability and a reduction in business rates will help along with a cut in energy prices and a retail rate relief from the current 75% to 25%. 

 

I raised a question about business rates in Parliament and the Minister assured me that the Government have committed to permanently lower business rates for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses. 

I trust these changes will go ahead and restore confidence in independent retailers. 

 

To read my letter to Gareth Thomas MP, Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports, please click on the link above.