Small businesses and high streets are the lifeblood of our community. The constituency is blessed with several vibrant high streets and countless amazing local businesses which make it an amazing place to live.
However, in recent years our brick and mortar businesses have come under pressure from different sources. Whether it’s the rise of internet shopping with large online retailers taking away trade from traditional shops, rising energy bills due to the war in Ukraine, or the long-lasting impacts of the pandemic, our high streets have a lot to contend with.
That’s why I’m determined to support local businesses and our high streets in any way that I can to make sure they continue to thrive for years to come.
What I’m campaigning on:
- Over the last few years, we’ve lost a number of bank branches from our high streets. Having access to in-person banking is vital for businesses which deal in cash, as well as those residents who may not have access to mobile banking. That’s why I’m campaigning for a banking hub in the constituency. Find out more.
- I'm currently running a small business survey so that I can continue to speak up for the issues which are most important to the small businesses in the constituency. You can take the survey here.
- I'm campaigning to save the Harold Hill Post Office branch from potential closure as I think it would be a hammer blow to the high street. Sign my petition calling for it to remain open here.
- Much like in person banking, hairdressers and barbers play an important role in supporting our local high streets, with people often popping into other nearby shops. Recently, I looked to recognise our amazing barbers and hairdressers for the work that they do. Find out more here.
- I’m always visiting local businesses to see the work they do and hear about how I can support them as their Member of Parliament. Get in touch with me if I can support your work.
What we’ve achieved:
- Business rates are one of the big costs which put high street businesses at a disadvantage compared to those operating online. That’s why I was proud to support the Conservative Government’s efforts to reduce business rates for smaller companies.
- During my time as an MP, I’ve hosted numerous Job, Skills and Apprenticeship fairs. in Hornchurch & Harold Hill. Hosting these fairs has helped local people find their next opportunity, as well as helping businesses find the right staff in a tough labour market.
- For our high street to thrive, it’s important that we tackle crime targeted at those businesses. That’s why I’ve worked closely with retailers and the police on the ‘Clear, Hold, Build’ scheme as well as supporting tougher laws to protect those working in shops.
- One of the main ways I can help a business as an MP is helping them understand changes in the law which may affect them. For example, in 2024 we got Conservative Party Chairman, Richard Holden MP, to do a budget briefing for local companies.
- Following the COVID-19 pandemic, in early 2021 I worked with the Government to secure £231k from the Welcome Back Fund to help businesses and high streets bounce back after lockdown.
- In 2020, I was successful in getting Havering Council to provide free Sunday parking, 30 minutes of free street parking, and 20% off for those using the Havering Parking App, providing an important boost to our high streets and shops. Find out more.
