Valerie Marks Small Business Saturday with Local Traders

Valerie marked the first UK Small Business Saturday on 7 December 2013 by visiting local traders in Walsall South.

Valerie said:

“This was the first Small Business Saturday to take place in the UK. I wanted to show support for the importance of small businesses by visiting small businesses in Darlaston and in Walsall Town Centre. In Walsall Town Centre I visited Imperial Valeting and Tyres on Walhouse Road. I had my car washed. The co-owners, Yasar Rashid and Majid Zeb, told me that they want lower Business Rates and more effective enforcement action to be taken against businesses which don’t pay rates or taxes or comply with planning permission and so undercut legitimate businesses.”

“In Darlaston, I went to Nic’s Bargain Flowers and Hire Services on King Street, where I bought Christmas hats. The business was set up by Nicola Henry in August 2012. It provides decorations, chocolate fountains and other goods for parties, weddings and other events. I understand that 30% of start ups are set up by women.”

“Small Business Saturday took place on 7 December 2013 and celebrates the contribution of Small Businesses to the local and national economies. It is a grass-roots campaign that encourages people to shop locally and support small businesses in the local community. Ahead of Small Business Saturday, I invited the Shadow Business Secretary, Chuka Umunna MP to Walsall College on Thursday 5 December 2013. He spoke about the important impact that small businesses make and the importance of giving them more support.”

“It is crucial to support small businesses in Walsall South. Locally I supported the successful campaign for the removal of parking charges from Ablewell Street, which had taken passing trade away from small businesses. The presence of thee parking metres made it difficult for those businesses who had built up the custom of passing trade. They lost a lot of business. When the metres were removed their trade returned. I will continue to campaign on behalf of the small businesses in Walsall South so that they can survive.”