Hospitality and Tourism

Small businesses in Stratford-on-Avon

As part of my ongoing work to support small businesses across Stratford-on-Avon, I recently hosted a business breakfast with local leaders and owners to hear directly about the challenges they face. Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and it is vital they are given the conditions they need to grow and thrive.

While Stratford-on-Avon remains a strong and attractive place to do business, several concerns were raised. Businesses highlighted the lack of space to expand once they reach around 30 staff, ongoing recruitment challenges driven by the high cost of living locally, and the pressure of rising operating costs on tight margins. Although our high streets are performing better than many, there are still empty units and some businesses continue to struggle.

These conversations are helping to shape my wider campaign to back small businesses, with a focus on unlocking space for growth, improving access to affordable housing for workers, and supporting vibrant, fully occupied high streets.

Slash VAT for hospitality

Stratford-on-Avon’s pubs, restaurants and theatres are the heart of our community and a vital part of our local economy. They bring people together, provide thousands of jobs and attract visitors from all over the world.

Hospitality has been hit harder than any other sector by rising costs and the Government’s punitive National Insurance hike. A VAT cut would put money back in people’s pockets, help local businesses keep their staff and protect the places that nourish the local economy.

One pub is closing every single day in Britain. Without urgent action, we risk losing the venues that hold our communities together and make our area such a unique place to live and visit.

For this reason, I am fighting for a VAT cut of 5% for hospitality and tourism businesses.