Political Opinion: Why I’ve launched Luton North’s first Small Business Forum
Monthly column by Luton North MP Sarah Owen
If you follow me on social media, you may know that I love Luton North’s small businesses. Every Saturday I shout out a different one, and I’ve now visited and promoted more than 200 different small businesses across the constituency.
From corner stores, pubs, and fish and chip shops to accountants and photographers, our town is full of entrepreneurial people building businesses, promoting growth and creating jobs. These are the heart of our economy and provide so much social and economic value to our town, neighbourhoods and communities.
That’s why I have launched Luton North’s first ever Small Business Forum: a space for entrepreneurs and business leaders to come together, meet and learn from one another. It’s a chance for them to share with me directly the challenges and difficulties they might be facing, and how I as their local MP can represent their concerns to the government.
I know that life has not been easy for many small business owners over the last five years. Covid, inflation, high bills and rent increases all caused businesses insecurity. Since this Labour government has come in, inflation and interest rates are down, but I know there is still more to do.
The government is legislating to end late payments, which cost small businesses billions per year, and simplifying the regulatory system.
We have also committed to permanently lower business rates for retail, hospitality and leisure, and are freezing the small business multiplier. A new High Street Rental Auction power will reduce vacancy rates across the high street and new plans to invest in training, skills and apprenticeships will make sure that there are opportunities for young people in our town to work in our local small businesses.
I will continue to shout out and support our small business community in Luton North at every opportunity. These hard-working entrepreneurs and business owners keep our high streets alive and our economy growing.
I am looking forward to another productive meeting of the Forum in the near future – if you run a small business in Luton North and would like to join, please do get in touch by emailing [email protected].