Last week saw the annual Small Business Saturday campaign take place across the country. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities and the backbone of our country. That’s why I was so pleased last year there were 5.7 million businesses across the country and why I am delighted to support small businesses in the Forest of Dean – not just on Small Business Saturday.
The last eight years have seen Conservatives in government add to our proud record of supporting businesses in their efforts to expand and create more jobs. The Government continues to help small businesses access the finance they need to grow and reach their potential.
The recent Budget provided a £900 million cut in business rates for almost 500,000 small businesses across the country, while keeping three million small businesses out of VAT altogether by maintaining one of the highest VAT thresholds in the world.
As well as this, Conservatives in government have progressively reduced rates of Corporation Tax – paid by businesses large and small – from 28% in 2010 to 19% now. This has not only helped businesses across the country reduce their bills, but also raised more money for our public services.
As such, since 2010 there have been almost 1.2 million new businesses nationally, 99 per cent of which are small and medium-sized enterprises. Small businesses across the country give people the security of a regular wage and there are so many fantastic small businesses employing people locally and serving our community.
Just recently, I have had the pleasure of visiting business across the Forest of Dean – from NFU members in Newent to Chronos Technology in Lydbrook as well as KW Bell in Cinderford and Petlon Polymers in Lydney.
Throughout my 13 years as your Member of Parliament, I have been proud to do what I can to help our excellent local employers. If any business in the Forest of Dean would like me to pay them a visit or would like me to offer any assistance I can, I am always happy to help.