THIS weekend, as part of small business Saturday, Harlow’s Labour candidate Chris Vince was out across the town visiting small businesses and talking about how the next Labour government will support them. 

On Saturday he visited to Roxene’s Afro-European Salon in the town centre and then wen ton to visit a number of businesses in Bush Fair.

On Friday, Mr Vince visited Ramco pharmacy in Old Harlow which has been serving its community for over 30 years including providing support during the pandemic. 

Chris Vince said ‘small businesses like Roxene’s Salon and Ramco are the beating heart of our community.  However, it is clear that they are struggling with the burden of business rates coupled with inflation and rises in utility bills.  I am delighted the next Labour government has pledged to support small businesses like many of those in Harlow and ensure that they don’t just survive but also thrive’ 

The Labour Party knows the value of small businesses; you are not just the lifeblood of our communities but essential to our economic success.  

That is why we have launched an ambitious plan to support small businesses. 

1. Legislate to tackle late payments: Unlocking £20 billion in unpaid invoices 
2. Scrap business rates: And replace it with a system that is fairer for bricks and mortar businesses 
3. Revitalise our high streets: Tackling anti-social behaviour and powers to take over empty shops 
4. Boosting small business exports: Removing the barriers to export with clear information and support 
5. A new direction for skills: With Technical Excellence Colleges connected to local economic needs 
6. Get Britain building again: By speeding up the planning system and unblocking the grid 
7. Make Britain a clean energy super power: For cheaper bills and greater energy security 
8. The best place to start up and scale up: With better access to finance and more spinouts from universities 
9. A fair chance at public contracts: With guaranteed shortlisting for smaller firms