Local businesses across our area need the support of their customers more than ever following the introduction of Labour’s National Insurance Jobs Tax.
Let's get behind our local shops as we mark Small Business Saturday which takes place on 7th December.
The special day was created to encourage shoppers to take a closer look at local firms to see what they have to offer and maybe focus their Christmas shopping on small businesses close to home.
But after the Labour Government brought in the tax on jobs, which the Office for Budget Responsibility estimates will cost businesses an additional £800 per employee, there are fears for the future of the firms both locally and across the country.
In fact, the number of businesses closing in the week after Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Budget increased by 64 per cent, compared to the previous year.
But this is not a one-day event, we need to take another look at the High Street and beyond to help give local firms a boost now and in the run up to Christmas.
Small businesses and family firms across this area make up the lifeblood of the economy here.
