Firms across Hazel Grove were celebrating at the weekend with the annual Small Business Saturday which helps promote the local high street.
Small and medium businesses make up 99.9 per cent of the 5.6 million businesses in the UK – they employ almost 17 million people and contribute £2.4 trillion to the economy. Small Business Saturday showcases small businesses right across the country – many of which support local highstreets and provide local jobs.
At the Autumn Statement 2023, the Chancellor announced the Conservative Government has frozen the small business rates multiplier for a fourth consecutive year, saving an average shop £1,650 on their business rates bill. A million British businesses will benefit from this.
The Conservative Government is also extending the Retail, Hospital and Leisure (RHL) relief meaning 230,000 properties will benefit from almost £2.4 billion in support, protecting small businesses in our high streets and town centres.
To further support small businesses, the Autumn Statement also announced the Government will end the scourge of late payments to support businesses with their cash flow.
This recently announced support is in addition to tax cuts for smaller businesses when they employ more staff and a lower rate of corporation tax for smaller firms, protecting them from excessive tax bills so they can focus on growing their business.
Supporting small business is part of the Conservative Government’s priority to take the long-term decisions for a stronger economy.
Welcoming the news, Paul Athans, Hazel Grove Conservative parliamentary candidate, said:
“Small Business Saturday is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the many brilliant small businesses in our constituency.
“The Conservative Government have a proven track record in backing British businesses, including here in Hazel Grove Constituency, such as a fourth consecutive freeze of the small business rates relief multiplier.
“When businesses are supported so are local jobs and opportunities they support – helping to grow the economy.”
Commenting, Small Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake MP said:
“Small businesses are the backbone to the economy – they are the ones investing, creating new opportunities and bringing life to our town centres.
“Alongside cutting business rates the Conservative Government is supporting small businesses with tax cuts to employ more staff, access to the finance they need and ensuring small businesses are paid on time to avoid cash flow issues.
“By supporting small businesses, the Conservative Government is making the UK the best place in the world to start and grow a business, attracting investment in every corner of the country.”
