Richard has urged people in North East Bedfordshire to support local businesses during Small Business Saturday, recognising the vital contribution they make to our towns and villages. This year, Small Business Saturday comes at the end of a hugely challenging period for small businesses, with many facing long periods of closure and reduced income due to the pandemic.
Richard visited a number of businesses across the constituency, in villages including Roxton, Great Barford, Wyboston, Sharnbrook to give his support and encourage other to do the same in the run-up to Christmas.
Throughout the course of the pandemic, the Government has provided more than £280 billion to support lives and livelihoods. This includes:
- The furlough scheme, which has now been extended until the end of March and continues to support 4,200 jobs in North East Bedfordshire.
- Grants for the self-employed, which have been made more generous in light of recent national and local lockdown announcements, and which have benefitted 9,600 people in North East Beds.
- Loans and Government-backed grants which have helped businesses facing severely reduced income because of the pandemic.
- VAT cuts and business rates holidays for many small businesses, including those in the hospitality and retail sectors.
Commenting, Richard said:
“North East Beds is home to a huge number of fabulous businesses, large and small. In celebration of Small Bbusiness Saturday, I was delighted to visit a number of retailers this weekend to give my support following the incredibly difficult year we've had.
"The businesses in our towns and villages need us more than ever and I would urge you to shop locally wherever possible."
