Graham Evans MP ran a series of events across Weaver Vale for Small Business Saturday which culminated in running a street stall in Northwich on Saturday.
Small businesses are the life blood of Weaver Vale’s local economy and this week has been focussed on raising local awareness of the importance of SMEs as well as making businesses aware of the support that is available to them. Small Business Saturday is a national campaign that encourages people to shop local and support small businesses in their communities.
Graham Evans MP said: “I am delighted that Small Business Saturday was such a success and that high profile ministers were able to visit Weaver Vale and meet with small business owners running up to the day.
“Theresa Villiers, Secretary of State, came to Frodsham and visited Les Harris Jewellers and Eve Womanswear to discuss the issues that face small business owners.
“I also joined Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, Minister of State, at Bratts in Northwich to meet with shop owners and discuss the importance of shopping locally.
“On Small Business Saturday in Northwich I held a street stall and met with shop owners, workers and local Councillors to share information about local industry, and to raise people’s awareness of how independent and smaller businesses make up the character of our local communities.
“The Government is committed to supporting local businesses to promote growth and drive up employment. These steps include:
• Cutting companies’ national insurance bills by £2,000 through the Employment Allowance.
• Using the Red Tape Challenge to be the first government in modern times to reduce regulation, this has so far has saved businesses an estimated £155 million.
• Small Business Rates Relief has been doubled, and going further still, it’s doubled it for an extra year through to April 2014.
• More than half a million apprenticeships were created last year, an 86% increase on the final year of the last government.
“Our small and local businesses are part of what make Weaver Vale special, adding vibrancy and colour to the local economy. I’m grateful for all the work small businesses do for our area and I am committed to help them grow and thrive in the future.”