The search is on to find South Shropshire's best small businesses. Stuart Anderson MP is inviting residents across the constituency to nominate their favourite business and let him know the reason why. A survey has also been launched to gather the views of South Shropshire’s more than 5,000 small businesses and traders, defined as those employing up to 50 people. Stuart wants to make South Shropshire one of the best places in the country to start and grow a business. He has said that he wants to better understand the needs and concerns of the local business community to inform his work in Parliament when advocating for more support to drive local economic growth.
Stuart's call for nominations and small business survey have both been launched ahead of Small Business Saturday on 7th December 2024, which celebrates the value of and social impact made by local businesses on our high streets, town centres, and villages. South Shropshire's convenience stores, for example, provide jobs for 928 people. In the West Midlands, they have invested £89 million over the last year. 82% of the region’s independent retailers take part in some form of community engagement - with consumers ranking them as the number one service for encouraging local growth. Stuart is calling on local businesses and traders to share their views and insights by completing his survey.
Stuart has added that returns to his survey will contribute towards the creation of a local business directory, making it easier for residents to shop locally and support small businesses across South Shropshire. It is part of Stuart's campaign to unleash rural prosperity by engaging with local businesses and communities, securing investment and reform to unlock local growth, and raising the profile of South Shropshire's industry. Stuart added that everyone can show their support for small businesses and that it doesn’t just mean spending; endorsements, reviews and promotions can hugely benefit small businesses in South Shropshire too.
