WARRINGTON South MP Sarah Hall has called on the Government to do more to support small independent businesses on the high street, following a parliamentary exchange with the Business Minister celebrating Warrington’s growing food and hospitality scene.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Ms Hall used the opportunity to name and champion several thriving local venues including Gourmand Café, Mamars Artisan Bakery and Deli, Hideout Tiki Bar and Terrace, and the soon-to-open Zak’s Shak in Stockton Heath as examples of the community-driven enterprise that powers Warrington’s local economy.
She pressed the Minister on what specific steps the Government is taking to support these businesses, which continue to face high start-up costs, concerns over business rates, and other barriers to them operating.
In response, the Minister said Warrington sounded particularly attractive for a business minister to visit and committed to coming to the town in the future. He also referenced new plans for permanent business rates reductions for retail, hospitality, and leisure properties with rateable values under £500,000, alongside a new hospitality support scheme to help those furthest from the job market into employment.
Ms Hall said:“Our high streets aren’t held together by big chains, they’re built on the effort and passion of local people, starting something from scratch and giving back to their communities.
“Whether it’s a French café run with care, a bakery that stocks local produce, or a cocktail bar that brings people together on a Friday night, these are the places that give our town character.
“I welcome the Minister’s recognition of Warrington’s thriving local economy and offer to visit, and I’ll be holding the Government to its promises. Making the case for Warrington South in Parliament whenever I get the chance”.
