On Small Business Saturday, Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies has applauded businessmen and women across the Vale of Clwyd for the part they have played in responding to the coronavirus pandemic and is urging people to support them.
This year, Small Business Saturday comes in the midst of a hugely challenging period for small businesses, with many having faced long periods of closure and reduced income due to the pandemic.
James is keen to ensure that they receive the support they need to survive these challenging times and is calling on people to support local businesses, particularly in the run up to Christmas.
He said:
“Small businesses are the backbone of local economies and we are extremely fortunate to have some fantastic ones here in the Vale of Clwyd.
“Even during the best of times, with Wales being the most expensive place in Great Britain to pay business rates, it can be tough for some of them. This year has been extremely challenging, with some fearing that they may not survive.
“Yet, despite the pressures they have been facing themselves this year, I have been pleased to see a great number of small businesses in the Vale of Clwyd stepping up to help our local community through these tough times and I thank all those who have played their part.
“Shopping in large supermarkets and retail parks can be convenient, but local shopping can be so much more enjoyable. I encourage people across the Vale of Clwyd to go out and support our high streets and local businesses in the run up to Christmas, and beyond. With many increasingly shopping on the internet, please remember that many local businesses do trade online too!
Throughout the course of pandemic, the UK Government has provided more than £280 billion to support lives and livelihoods, including loans and Government-backed grants which have helped businesses facing severely reduced income because of the pandemic, and VAT cuts and business rates holidays for many small businesses, including those in the hospitality and retail sectors.
James added: “The UK Government is determined not to be blown off course by the pandemic and to deliver on its promise, made at the General Election one year ago, to level up towns and communities across the whole country. To aid this, the Chancellor has recently announced funding to improve the infrastructure and town centres people and businesses rely on every day.”
“The UK Government is working to ensure as many small businesses as possible are able to thrive into 2021, but they also need the support of the public.”
James has welcomed the recent opening of two small businesses in Prestatyn.
He said:
“I was very pleased to welcome Deli on the Hill to Prestatyn High Street, as well as the Little Cheesemonger, which I officially opened on Thursday.
“It shows, that despite these troubling times, there is still optimism and I am confident that both these businesses can have successful futures in Prestatyn, particularly given the UK Government’s plans to help them going forward."
