"Visiting Billericay Christmas Market last weekend really did re-enforce that we’re now just weeks from Christmas! I’m sure that many residents have been better than me in getting presents bought. Every year I try to get it done early, but inevitably it’s a mad rush days before!
Whether you have everything bought already or, like me, you’ve left it to the last minute, I hope you will have made the decision to buy local where you can.
It goes without saying but small businesses are truly the lifeblood for our economy. They reflect our culture and tie our communities together. This weekend is Small Business Saturday, a day when we celebrate the contribution they make to our High Streets.
It’s no coincidence that this day takes place in December as businesses are in the midst of the festive shopping period. Unfortunately, our small businesses and family firms are under threat and many will be fearing for their future because of the Government’s Jobs Tax and slashing business rates relief.
Despite promising not to raise National Insurance, Labour brought in a tax on jobs – which the Office for Budget Responsibility estimates will costs businesses an additional £800 per employee. This week Conservative MPs called on the Government to release the full impact assessment of their Jobs Tax, which they have refused to do.
This weekend I will be visiting some of the amazing small businesses across Basildon and Billericay and will continue to use my Facebook page to showcase them. I will also be formally opening my new constituency office on Western Road in Billericay, providing a high street presence as well as continuing holding surgeries in Basildon and visiting people in their homes too. Being clearly accessible with both my office, surgeries and visits is important and I wanted to send a signal too of how I value our High Streets and will do all I can to ensure they continue to thrive for years to come."
