News Beat
MPs urge people to back small businesses in York and N Yorks
York Central MP Rachael Maskell said shopping locally helps boost York’s economy and “preserves the heart and soul of the community”.
Thirsk and Malton MP Kevin Hollinrake, who co-founded the Hunters estate agency chain in York in 1992, called for people to “back our small businesses”, saying “every single pound spent on the high street has a multiplier effect”.
The politicians were speaking on Small Business Saturday (December 6), which aims to support small businesses across the UK.
Ms Maskell joined Phil Pinder and Judy Illing, from the York High Street Forum, in visiting York businesses on Saturday to mark the annual event.
“We are so lucky here in York to have a city packed full of some of the most unique independent shops and cafes offering individual finds and thoughtful gifts for the festive season,” the Labour MP said.
“Visiting independent shops on your local high street is a much more personal experience than clicking online, and being out and about enjoying the atmosphere in the city is a great boost at this time of year.
“Small businesses offer a friendly face and a chat, which is so important, particularly for our more elderly and vulnerable neighbours.
“We know that shopping locally circulates money back into the community, supports local jobs, is better environmentally and, importantly, preserves the heart and soul of the community.
“If you are thinking to go out and buy gifts, groceries, enjoy a meal or a coffee with a friend this festive season, please do pick up a brilliant Indie York map and support our wonderful independent small businesses.”
Mr Hollinrake, meanwhile, visited several businesses in Malton on Saturday where the Conservative MP said he discussed the impact of the recent budget with traders.
He said several businesses raised the recent increases in employers National Insurance and business rates as ongoing concerns.
“Thirsk, Kirkbymoorside, Helmsley, Malton, Filey, Pickering, Malton and the villages, across my beautiful constituency we have some of the finest and most innovative small businesses in the country,” Mr Hollinrake said.
“Whether it be cafes and restaurants serving up the best local produce or our manufacturing business producing equipment for the Ministry of Defence – Thirsk and Malton has it all.”
He added: “Every single pound spent on the high street has a multiplier effect, so this Small Business Saturday go out and back our small businesses.”
