We all know that small businesses are the lifeblood of our local economy - make sure you shop local and support your local small business this Saturday and in the build up to Christmas. Make sure you support your local butchers, high street shops and local bookshops. Remember that the likes of Amazon may be convenient, but internet shopping is really hurting our local shops in Hexham, Ponteland, Prudhoe, Corbridge, Haltwhistle and all across Tynedale.
The Government has already done much to back small business – since 2010 there are
- 400,000 more small businesses,
- 10,000 start-up loans have been approved
- 1.4m private sector jobs have been created.
- record numbers of apprentices
- cuts to corporation tax
- £2000 off national insurance through the employment allowance
- extended small business rate relief
- increased the annual investment allowance.
The adage remains - use your local shop or lose them. We are all responsible for the support of our local communities. You can start with late night shopping in Bellingham tonight from 5pm.
