Support your local shops

THE news that Creber's delicatessen in Tavistock is re-opening, just days after it shut down, is extremely positive for our town.

Local independent shops such as Creber's, which was a fourth generation family business and thought to be one of the oldest in Tavistock, are extremely valuable resources in our market towns and villages and of crucial importance to Devon's economy.  We are still fortunate in Tavistock that we have such a broad range of shops.

These independent retailers are the lifeblood of our country and employ millions of people. Without them, we will see increased unemployment, greater financial difficulties, and our towns and villages will lose their defining character and identity. This is why, as part of my commitment to back independent local businesses, I am supporting 'Small Business Saturday' in West Devon this year.

Taking place on Saturday, December 7, one of the busiest shopping days of the year, the aim of 'Small Business Saturday' is to encourage people to shop locally and support independent shops in their communities.

I would therefore urge all of you to join me in celebrating the important contribution these businesses make to our local communities and to support them on 7 December and beyond to ensure their survival and success. 

Supporting local business is vital to the wellbeing of our local towns, and I am pleased to see a number of initiatives now being introduced by the Government to help.

The Start-Up Loan and New Enterprise Allowance Scheme have enabled the creation of over 30,000 new businesses in the last two years alone. In addition, a new discretionary power has been given to local authorities to offer business rate discounts to help attract and support local firms.

I hope that our councils will also do all they can to help our retail businesses in deciding policies that affect them such as on planning and parking.

I am optimistic that with the improving economic outlook and with our support, our local businesses can survive and prosper, maintaining the diversity and character of our towns, providing employment and benefitting our local economy.