One of this Labour Government’s most senior Treasury ministers has praised the “fantastic” small businesses of Gedling after visiting firms from butchers to cafes on Thursday 28 August.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones toured Arnold town centre with the Labour MP for Gedling Michael Payne, chatting about successes and challenges with Cleo’s Deli, The Empress, Taste First, Chambers Butchers and Paradise Café.
He then headed to Mapperley to chair a small business roundtable at La Zenia Tapas Restaurant so local businesses, including Coosh, Steve’s Bar and Deli-icious, could directly raise what support they needed to continue to thrive.
A number of the businesses were nominees and winners of Michael Payne MP’s Small Business Awards that he launched in 2024 – a competition he plans to run again in 2025 – noting not just their commercial achievements but the work the firms do to support the local community.
This Labour Government is committed to breathing life back into our high streets and helping small businesses by reforming business rates, securing new investment, and tackling retail crime.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones said: “It’s been brilliant to visit some of Gedling’s fantastic small businesses, like Cleo’s Deli and Chambers Butchers.
“From action on tackling late payments to unlocking billions in finance, this Labour government is determined to support all small businesses to thrive and grow.”
Labour MP for Gedling Michael Payne said: “It was fantastic to welcome the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Darren Jones MP to Gedling to meet and listen to our small businesses. We held constructive, honest and interesting conversations with a number of the amazing small businesses that are the backbone of our communities and high streets.”
“It was also a chance for these local business leaders, many meeting each other for the first time, to share practical ways to work better together and to support each other.”
“While our economy is currently the fastest growing in the G7, the benefits of a growing economy need to be felt on our doorstep, something this Labour Government is determined to deliver, and as the MP for Gedling, I am equally determined to continue to bring government, small businesses and local partners together to improve our town centres and restore pride on our high streets.”
