A comment on Mims' activities through the week, and the latest news from Parliament.
Businesses play an integral role within our communities, providing jobs, pushing forward growth and innovation, and in the vast majority of cases supporting the people that live and work around them. I am passionate about ensuring that the UK remains a place in which the smallest businesses, led by people from the most humble of beginnings, can rise to become some of our most recognisable names, and I will continue to support local businesses across the Eastleigh constituency. I am delighted therefore that the Prime Minister has made immense progress in the Brexit negotiations securing British and EU rights issues which many constituents were worried about; the right border in Ireland has been agreed and finance settled so trade and future business relations can be focussed on. This truly is the perfect Christmas gift from the Prime Minister to UK PLC.
The Government shares that enthusiasm, and I warmly welcomed the introduction of the Industrial Strategy last month. Supporting businesses across the UK to propel themselves into the exciting future ahead of us, while also ensuring that growth in the national economy is reflected by local growth is key to the ambition set out within this white paper. Meanwhile, the Government recognises that more jobs must result in a rise in wages and job security, guaranteeing that all of us benefit from record levels of employment and a growing economy. I am committed to building a Britain fit for the future, and will continue to support businesses large and small to succeed.
With this in mind, I was therefore delighted to again celebrate Small Business Saturday on the 2nd December – especially given how the Eastleigh constituency is full of such a range of wonderful small independent businesses.
Shopping locally and supporting business in my constituency is so important to me. I always think it’s wonderful what you can find right on your doorstep and nothing compares to that personal touch that you experience. It is also an important creator of local jobs - something that all of us welcome.
My day started at Matt’s Bakery & Coffee Corner in Boyatt Wood with the opportunity to discuss business trends over breakfast with Matt. Moving on to Nightingale Pets in Eastleigh, I spent time meeting the various animals available for sale, including handling snakes and lizards!
This year’s visits also included two florists. The Village Blooms, run by Karen, is an independent florist in Fair Oak Village that caters for all those important moments in life. Meanwhile, the staff at The Flower Shop in Eastleigh were busy updating their window displays for Christmas.
Having just opened the week before, it was great to meet with David as the co-owner of The Steam Town Brew Co. This brand new pub, using local produce and highlighting local heritage, is situated by Eastleigh train station and celebrates Eastleigh’s railway town history. Whilst brewing their own beer onsite they are also on hand to give small tours and offer insight into the brewing process.
The Pink Room Hair & Beauty Salon, based in Fair Oak, is run and owned by Verity Evans, who I was delighted to see nominated for Business Mother of the year at the 2017 Venus awards thanks to her sleek salon which offers everything from traditional hair and beauty treatments to pamper party packages.
Each and every one of these small businesses was a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of this constituency, and I would like to thank them all again for their hospitality.
And so when you pop out do get those all-important essentials this Christmas, be sure to support local small businesses within your community!