Richard recently visited Playhouse Bedford and Bedford Gym and Swim at Twinwoods Business Park and had a discussion with local entrepreneur, Joanne, and the site owner Ben from Pigeon, who took over in 2022.
Richard Fuller MP said:
Why is this government making life so hard for the small businesses and entrepreneurs in rural communities like ours?
Joanne has created a lovely space for children and parents to enjoy and adjacent is a pool and gym facilities that really impress.
While I was pleased to see the investment being brought to North Bedfordshire, there are very real concerns about both the spiralling cost of energy, especially those with public access pools, and the Government's policy of increasing business rates. Joanne told me how her Business Rates are set to increase by over 50% as a result of Rachel Reeves’ recent changes!
Following my visit, I am writing to the Chancellor again to raise the cost of doing business in rural areas and requesting her support for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
