Will Labour help small businesses? Their recent UK budget has come under much criticism, but only time will tell… Meantime, Rachel Reeves missed a market, although she was literally inside the venue for it! Here’s what went on.
Rachel Reeves missed a market – even though she was inside the venue
That’s right, Labour’s Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, missed out of visiting an artisan market recently – and she was right above it!
Rachel Reeves, Labour’s Chancellor of the Exchequer, recently visited Leeds Corn Exchange, a hub for independent businesses in her Leeds West constituency.
The Tilly & Primrose market was running on the ground floor below, whilst Reeves, BBC correspondents and their respective entourage were on the balcony, visiting some of the more permanent shops hosting independent businesses there.
During her visit, Reeves engaged with local business owners to discuss Labour’s economic priorities, but she missed the bustling artisan market just below the iconic venue. The visit underscores Labour’s focus on supporting small and micro businesses, with Reeves emphasising the need for policies that create stability and growth for independent traders. However, it would have been brilliant if she’d have taken the time to visit stallholders too.
Stallholders and market traders are usually micro-businesses, sole or independent traders, so Reeves could have benefitted further from meeting them and sharing their perspective on how current economics and geopolitics is effecting trade.
We see first hand the impact of the nationwide economy on local economies, and it’s especially highlighted at markets.
Pictured below: Rachel Reeves being interviewed by the BBC at Leeds Corn Exchange, whilst Tilly & Primrose market took place below the shops on the balcony.
Will Labour help small businesses with Rachel Reeves’ new budget and latest economic policies?
Labour’s recent budget proposals aim to address the UK’s cost-of-living crisis while fostering economic resilience. Key measures include targeted tax relief for small enterprises, expanded access to affordable credit, and increased investment in local high streets.
These policies are designed to reduce financial pressures on businesses and therefore stimulate job creation, though critics have raised concerns about potential implementation challenges and argue that the economy has reached a near-standstill towards the end of 2024.
For Leeds’ vibrant entrepreneurial community, Labour’s vision offers hope for renewed growth and prosperity in a challenging economic climate – but the test of time will reveal the truth.
Although we are sad to hear Rachel Reeves didn’t spare a minute to pop down to the market below, it’s great to see the other small businesses at the venue being highlighted.
If you’d like to know more about this visit and what the small business owners there think, click here.
What can we do individually to boost the economy?
Shopping small helps us all!
By using Pedddle to discover local markets in your home area, and shopping from them, we all help boost our local economies.