Dr Luke Evans, MP for Bosworth, has visited businesses in Market Bosworth to mark Small Business Saturday on 4 December, encouraging us all to shop local in the run up to Christmas.
Small Business Saturday 2021 was a great opportunity to celebrate all of the small, local and independent businesses in our area, encouraging communities to shop local and support business owners.
Some of the businesses visited by Dr Luke in Market Bosworth included Content, Michaelmas House, Pinkgin Boutique, Dressini, Cafe Torte, and new business, Istanbul BBQ. Dr Luke also visited Friezland Christmas Tree Farm, who also recently won a competition to provide the wreath on the front door of No. 10 Downing Street.
Since being elected in 2019, Dr Luke has worked closely with local businesses, including regularly meeting the Hinckley BID, visiting small businesses, and raising their issues with the Government. In Bosworth, 1869 businesses received Bounce Back Loans from the Government over the course of the pandemic.
Nationally, the Government provided businesses with over £407 billion of economic support throughout the pandemic, including over £100 billion in business loans. More than 10,000 entrepreneurs were also awarded over £600 million worth of Start Up Loans.
In the Autumn Budget, the Chancellor also announced the biggest cut to business rates in 30 years. Most recently, the Government have also launched its Help to Grow Schemes, designed to provide small business owners with world-class management training and digital skills.
Dr Luke said: “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, our high streets and an integral part of our recovery from the pandemic in Bosworth. Small Business Saturday is the perfect opportunity to praise all our small business owners and come together to support them in the lead up to Christmas, particularly as we have so many fantastic small, local and independent businesses in our community. A huge thank you to all of the business owners who I spoke to!"
Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: “Small Business Saturday is an opportunity to celebrate our small businesses, and this Conservative government will make sure the UK’s many businesses have the support and skills they need to drive the innovation, growth and job creation we need as we move towards a secure and prosperous future.”