Businesses in Rural Areas

There are over 3,400 fantastic businesses in Yeovil that provide amazing services for the community. However, thanks to terrible Government Budgets and unfair trade deals, many businesses do not feel supported by central Government. The Government changes to national insurance are an unfair jobs tax, and there is a need to strengthen the grocery code to support farmers.

Emphasised the importance of improving rural bus services, noting that inadequate transportation affects both economic growth and social isolation.

Celebrated the exceptional English wine produced by Albourne Estate in her constituency, stressing the importance of devolution for economic growth.

Raises concern about the increase in short-term holiday lets forcing local people out, making it hard to employ staff. Calls on the Government to urgently bring forward registration of such lets.

Agreed with the need for better public transport connections to enhance business development in market towns.

In the spending review, rural England received only a seventh of the money allocated for urban areas, highlighting an insufficient investment in rural bus services that would boost town centres and high streets.

Called on the Minister to provide updates on the family farm tax proposal, including potential alternatives such as the clawback scheme. Emphasized the need for better connectivity and additional challenges faced by rural businesses due to cuts in other areas.

Poor connectivity hinders local businesses in Lichfield and Burntwood. BT Openreach infrastructure costs are 20 times higher in rural areas, and the roll-out of 5G is the slowest among G7 countries.

Highlighted the importance of accessible courses for students from all backgrounds to train in skills needed by the local economy, using Sparsholt agricultural college as an example.

Barr village in south Ayrshire finally has mobile phone signal after years of delay. Businesses there face challenges such as finding local talent with the right skills for new wind farm projects and inadequate road connectivity which hinders access to work.

Agreed with Jamie Stone's suggestion and confirmed that officials would be interested in learning from the experience of successful banking hubs.

Emphasises the importance of reliable infrastructure and support for rural businesses. Discusses transport issues and banking access in Somerset, advocating for fairness and a level playing field.

The Opposition argues for low tax, light-touch regulation, and a level playing field for rural enterprise.

Questions the need for a clear and defined rural strategy that ties all elements together to release potential of rural Britain, referencing past White Papers with long gaps in between.

The gov.uk One website faces customer services issues, and Highlands and Islands Enterprise needs to be rebuilt to its former capacity. Asked the Minister to visit a banking hub opening in Wick, which could provide insights for other remote areas.

Orford General Store was highly commended in the Countryside Alliance’s national award category for its support of local and regional food producers, demonstrating the importance of rural businesses.

Rural communities face a vicious circle of declining transport provision leading to service closures, which in turn affects economic activity. The Member's constituency is experiencing the loss of a GP surgery due to lack of public transport.

Rural businesses in Northern Ireland are a vital part of the economy, with 58% located in rural areas. Support for these businesses is available through various initiatives such as the rural business investment scheme and the development grant scheme administered by Ards and North Down council.

He emphasises the importance of road infrastructure for tourism businesses and calls for better communication from councils about roadworks to avoid negative impacts on bookings.

Acknowledged that while funding is welcome, a long-term commitment to rural infrastructure provision is essential.

Calls for fair R&D funding policy reflecting Wales's population share and targets half of Government business enterprise expenditure on SMEs.

The Ribble Valley constituency is home to thriving businesses but faces the loss of business support funding following the spending review. The shared prosperity fund will end in 2026, threatening innovative and high-growth rural businesses without mayoral areas.

Made a case for real support from the Government for community benefit from renewable energy to transform rural Britain's economy. Proposes increasing the VAT threshold from £90,000 to £250,000 to enable more sole traders to employ apprentices or grow into SMEs. Points out the disparity in energy prices between rural and urban areas, highlighting that businesses in rural areas pay significantly more per kilowatt for their energy.

Rural businesses face barriers including unreliable broadband access. Daniel Lennox’s home-based business Stagely faces challenges due to lack of full-fibre broadband, highlighting the need for improved connectivity.

Small rural businesses in Glastonbury and Somerton face significant challenges due to increased employer national insurance contributions. The Kings Arms pub and Overt Locke hardware store are at risk of closure due to changes in business rates, highlighting the need for a better system.

Small businesses have faced tough times due to high bills, soaring energy costs, transport costs, and supply chain issues. The changes to national insurance contributions announced by this Government are an unfair jobs tax that will hit small businesses already struggling with rising energy prices.

Critiques Labour’s family farm tax and the scrapping of the sustainable farming incentive scheme. Highlights broadband issues in Somerset, questioning the Government's prioritisation of digital infrastructure for rural areas.

Emphasised the need for more awareness among police forces regarding illegal encampments and supported Greg Smith's work on preventing agricultural machinery thefts.

Local businesses in South West Norfolk struggle with skills shortages, often having to bring engineers from abroad. Connectivity issues are also a major concern.

Highlights challenges faced by residents of Macclesfield due to unreliable public transport and lack of digital connectivity, affecting local businesses. Emphasises the importance of rural economy investment.

Local businesses face mounting pressures such as high costs of business, employer’s national insurance increases, and rising energy bills. The cost of living impacts customers' purchasing decisions.