Valerie speaks in debate on Small Business Saturday

Valerie intervened in a Westminster Hall Debate on Thursday 4 December 2014 on Small Business Saturday which is to take place on 6 December 2014.

Valerie said:

“Small Businesses make a vital and often understated contribution to our communities. Small Business Saturday is an excellent initiative to highlight this contribution and to encourage people to use their local small businesses. For every £1 spent locally 60p stays in the local economy. Many MPs from all parties spoke about their local high street and the many excellent businesses which drives the economy.”

“The initiative originated in the USA but the Shadow Business Secretary, Chuka Umunna MP was instrumental in introducing Small Business Saturday to UK. Last year, on the eve of the inaugural Small Business Saturday in the UK, the Rev’d Jesse Jackson, Chuka Umunna MP and I held up a sign marking Small Business Saturday. Stephen Mosely MP who secured this debate was speaking about the background to Small Business Saturday in the US. I intervened in as I thought it was amusing that I could highlight this link.”

“Small businesses are having to deal with many challenges such as an increase in shopping on the internet. This is in evidence in the vacancy rate of town centre business premises. In Walsall, the problem is particularly severe with 26.5% of high street premises currently vacant. Small businesses are in need of greater support.”