Small and medium-sized businesses have faced a number of significant challenges over the past few years, to which the Conservative Government responded with a package of supportive measures. Now, having felt the impact of the pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, these same businesses must now contend with a Labour Government intent on hiking taxes and stifling growth.  

October's Budget announced a series of policies that will hit businesses hard, particularly the increase to employers' national insurance contributions and changes to business rates. While the Government claims these are targeted at larger businesses, in reality the measures will have a rippling effect on the high street and smaller businesses. 

Working on the shadow local government team and representing a constituency with seven brilliant high streets, I want to better understand the challenges businesses in Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner are facing at this time. As such, over the next few months, I will be inviting small businesses to take part in a small business survey. 

Already I have spoken with business owners in Harefield and parts of Ruislip, and I am grateful for the feedback I have received to date. My office will continue to collate this over the coming months, following up on any individual casework matters and advocating on behalf of businesses to the local authority and government.