Small Businesses: Economic Growth

David Burton-Sampson (Southend West and Leigh) (Lab), Alex Baker (Aldershot) (Lab), and Ashley Dalton (West Lancashire) (Lab) all asked the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds, to assess the potential contribution of small businesses to the Government's growth mission. In his response, the Secretary of State acknowledged the importance of small businesses, stating that they are the "beating heart of our high streets and communities" and are essential to economic success and the Government's growth agenda. He expressed a desire for growth in every part of the UK and emphasized the crucial role small businesses have to play in achieving that. David Burton-Sampson followed up by highlighting the thriving small and medium-sized enterprises in his Southend and Leigh constituency, and requested a meeting with the Secretary of State and local business representatives to understand the challenges they face and the opportunities they have seized. The Secretary of State welcomed the request and agreed to arrange a meeting with his officials. Alex Baker raised the issue of small businesses in her Farnborough constituency being priced out of the town centre due to rising costs, and congratulated the Federation of Small Businesses on its 50th anniversary. The Secretary of State acknowledged the importance of the Federation and its work, particularly on issues such as late payments. Ashley Dalton discussed the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises and market traders in her West Lancashire constituency, specifically the lack of access to cash banking services, which she said is a major obstacle to business growth, especially in rural areas. The Secretary of State recognized the importance of this issue and stated that the Government would work across departments to ensure small businesses have access to the banking services they need. Other interventions included a question from Mr Louie French (Old Bexley and Sidcup) (Con) regarding the impact of the Mayor of London's proposals on small businesses that use the Blackwall tunnel, and a question from Mr Peter Bedford (Mid Leicestershire) (Con) about the Government's actions to support small and medium-sized businesses in accessing finance. The Secretary of State addressed these concerns, emphasizing the need to work with devolved administrations and the importance of ensuring small businesses have access to the finance they require to grow.