Helen Maguire, MP for Epsom and Ewell, has launched a new survey for local businesses and will visit several local companies ahead of Small Business Saturday on 7th December.

As part of her commitment to supporting small businesses, Helen will roll up her sleeves and help out at three local establishments: Fatima’s Hair Boutique in Epsom, All Things Nice Café in Ewell, and Sweet Lavender Flowers in Ashtead.

During her visits, Helen will be serving customers and gaining hands-on experience to better understand the daily operations of these small businesses. This initiative underscores the vital role that small enterprises play in fostering community spirit and economic growth.

As a previous small business owner herself, Helen understands the challenges of running a small business. She previously ran a charity fundraising consultancy and founded her own fitness company. Her firsthand experience gives her unique insight into the dedication and resilience required to operate a small business.

Helen aims to give businesses in the area the opportunity to share the challenges they are facing and explore what needs to change to ensure their continued success. She will use these insights to advocate for local businesses in Parliament.

The Liberal Democrats have been pushing for the government to scrap their employers’ National Insurance tax rise, which will burden businesses in Epsom and Ewell with higher costs at a time when many are struggling following years of Conservative financial mismanagement.

Helen said:

“Local businesses like All Things Nice and Sweet Lavender Flowers are the backbone of our community and provide great services to people in Epsom, Ewell, Ashtead and Leatherhead. We should be doing all we can to support them and I am looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and helping out wherever I can.

“I am also excited to launch this new survey so I can fully understand just what businesses in our area need to ensure they can keep providing those great services to everyone here in our community.

“Our small businesses, both locally and all over the country, have been dealt too many blows. This is why it is so important that the Government rethinks and scraps its National Insurance hike on our local small businesses. They have been hit with increased costs and less support. This urgently needs to change, and I will be pushing the Government every step of the way to ensure it does.”