A strong local economy

Lobbying the Chancellor on business rates

Businesses are the engine of the economy and we need successful local businesses to provide local jobs. There are clear signs that the economy is going in the right direction with more jobs in the UK than ever before. Locally, unemployment has halved since 2010 despite the squeeze on the public sector.

I want to help local businesses of all sizes succeed, through pro-business legislation and taxation, cutting unnecessary bureaucracy, reform of business rates and a Brexit deal that works fro everyone in Kent. 

We need investment in infrastructure so the local economy can grow, and excellent education so our children have the skills for the jobs of the future.

News

Here's to The Harrow!

 

I was delighted to attend the official re-opening of The Harrow pub in Stockbury village a few nights ago. It was a fantastic event to be part of as the pub's story is heart-warming for the local community.

Beer duty: Minister responds

With the Budget coming on Wednesday 8 March, a number of constituents wrote to me about beer duty and business rates for pubs.

Business bus motors into town

A 32 tonne, 40ft long lorry packed with business experts rolled into the carpark at Maidstone Studios on Tuesday.

Business rates and beer

I know a lot of local businesspeople are worried about the business rate revaluation, and some are seeing big increases.

Prime Minister visits Faversham

It was wonderful to welcome David Cameron to Faversham for a tour of Shepherd Neame, the biggest employer in the constituency and the oldest brewery in Britain.

Cut beer tax!

I've joined with the British Beer & Pub Association, the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) by sending a ‘Message in a Barrel’, calling on the Chancellor of the Exchequer to cut beer duty in the Budget on 16th March.