Small businesses like yours are the backbone of North Devon. You provide the jobs, the growth and the revenue that help our area thrive.
Our Highstreets are the beating hearts of our towns and I want to work with you and help you get any extra support you need. The Government’s Future High Streets Fund investments will make a huge difference to Barnstaple centre overall and we have seen the Safer Streets Funding making a difference as well. Along with the work being done by groups like Barnstaple in Bloom, working with Barnstaple Town Council and our Town Centre Manager we are seeing improvements. We should not, however, be resting on our laurels and every town centre needs support.
The Conservative Government has announced the fourth consecutive freeze to the small business rates multiplier, saving an average shop £1,650, and have extended the Retail Hospitality and Leisure Relief for eligible businesses – this comes on top of billions of support with energy bills after the energy price shock. But we can do more.
That’s why I’m asking for your views. So will you fill in this quick survey?
Once I’ve gathered residents’ views, I’ll share them with the Council, the local Chamber of Commerce – and any other organisation that works with our high streets.
So together, we can start to bring new life to our high streets and support our local businesses. Making them something we can all be proud of.
Selaine