Neil O'Brien, MP for Harborough, Oadby and Wigston, joined local members of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) for a breakfast meeting in Harborough to discuss issues facing the self-employed.
The meeting was attended by FSB members from a range of different businesses, to share with Neil their views on varying issues which impact upon their business. Key issues raised included business rates and late payments to small businesses from larger customers.
Neil said, "I'm grateful to those businesses who joined us to share their views and concerns. It's always helpful to hear from SMEs who play an incredibly important role in our economy, to see what we can do to encourage business start-up and growth further.
I'm pleased the Government is taking action with regards to late payments, but I will continue to press for continued improvements in this important field - it simply isn't right for small businesses to be used as another line of credit. I have also been lobbying the Government to look at how we can level the playing field by increasing our tax take from large global digital firms, so we can look at ways to support smaller businesses with business rates, particularly those on the high street.
If any other local businesses would like to get in touch to share views, please do get in touch using the contact details available via the tab at the top of this page."