Local businesses across Beverley and Holderness need customer support more than ever following the introduction of Labour’s National Insurance Jobs Tax, Graham Stuart MP has warned.
Graham, who ran a successful publishing business before becoming an MP, was speaking ahead of Small Business Saturday which takes place on Saturday 7th December and was created to encourage shoppers to take a closer look at local firms to see what they have to offer.
But after the Labour Government brought in the new NICS tax, which the Office for Budget Responsibility estimates will cost businesses an additional £800 per employee, there are fears for the future of firms in Beverley and Holderness, and across the country.
In fact, the number of businesses closing in the week after Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Budget increased by 64 per cent, compared to the previous year.
And Graham wants people to take another look at the High Street and beyond this weekend, to help give local firms a boost now and in the run up to Christmas.
Graham recently wrote to over 800 businesses to ask for their experiences of the business climate at present. Businesses can fill in the survey at https://www.grahamstuart.com/SmallBusinessSurvey.
He is a long-standing supporter of small businesses in Beverley and Holderness and ran a successful award scheme, Beverley and Holderness’s Favourite Independent Shops, last year.
Graham said, “Small businesses and family firms across Beverley and Holderness make up the lifeblood of the economy here,” he said.
“But the Labour Government has put all of this under threat with their betrayal of business which is damaging the economy and harming working people.
“At this time of year, small businesses should be looking forward to the festive shopping period, but many are fearing for the future of their firms and their livelihoods because of this new NICS tax.
“We have some fantastic businesses here and it is why I hope as many people as possible can support Small Business Saturday to see what they can offer.
“And as Conservatives we will do all we can as an effective opposition to stop Labour’s National Insurance Jobs Tax.”
