On Small Business Saturday I visited the Weald and Downland’s Christmas Market, called Advent. It brought together around 50 small businesses from across the country, including several locally – who were selling homemade, artisan and specialist products. It was a wonderfully festive way to buy a gift or two, but also enjoy the living museum itself; with live food demonstrations in the Tudor kitchens for example.
Small businesses sit at the heart of our local communities, and they like many others, have faced unprecedented challenges over the pandemic. The Government has, of course, put significant support in place for businesses of all sizes since Covid-19 measures were introduced – and continue to do so by cutting business rates by at least 50% next year for 90% of retail, hospitality and leisure businesses, and freezing all rates. Combined with Small Business Rates Relief, this is a business tax cut worth £7 billion for over 700,000 eligible businesses – the biggest business rates cut in 30 years.
It is not all up to the Government, all of us can do our bit. Whether buying presents from some of our independent high street shops rather than big internet retailers. Or putting your turkey order in with the local butcher rather than the big supermarkets – consumer choice makes a massive difference – so shop local!
On Thursday 16 December, I am hosting the next instalment of the Chichester Community Conference series. This time we will be focusing on COP26, one month on, looking at what was achieved, and the challenges that we face internationally, as a country, and locally. The event will be virtual from 5pm to 7pm – and attendees will be able to ask questions and share their thoughts to the panel using the chat function.
