Rising business rates combined with the credit crunch are straining local shops. Conservatives are committed to helping small businesses maintain and grow their businesses as the country faces recession. It is a clear recognition that small businesses are the lifeblood of the country's economy and at the heart of each community. Many shops are eligible for rate relief but do not know about it or find it too complicated to apply. Take up in the Midlands is only 48%.
Commenting, Mark Prisk MP, Shadow Minister for Small Business said:
"Small shops could be up to £1,100 better off, but the Government has failed to let them know if they qualify and, not surprisingly, tied up the rate relief program with lots of red tape. Our online tool helps small shop owners cut through the tape and get relief.
"Local business owners can seek and get rate relief as well.
"We've launched this effort to build awareness and actually get people to apply for relief as one part of our comprehensive plan to ensure small businesses weather this economic storm."
The online tool can be found at http://www.conservatives.com/smallshops/
Photo: Small Malvern business LSA receives Queen's Award for Enterprise - From L to R: Cllr Serena Croad, Leader of Malvern Hills District Council; Sir Michael Brinton, Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire; Richard Simmonds, Managing Director of LSA and Harriett Baldwin