Checking in on small businesses in Hersham

It was great to be out in Hersham Village with the local Conservative councillors this afternoon, talking to small businesses about the challenges they have faced during Coronavirus.

Like so many businesses across Elmbridge, the owners and staff I met today – including in Ashton House gift shop, the AlleyCatz school uniform shop and the Bricklayers Arms – have worked really hard to get up and running safely over the last few months. This has allowed them to welcome customers back, and has been vital in supporting the local economic recovery.

The consistent message this afternoon was that, while Coronavirus was a major blow, government support has been vital in helping businesses to recover. So far, small businesses across Elmbridge have received £23.6 million in government-funded grants, while thousands of businesses have received Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans and Bounce Back Loans.

The government is continuing to tailor and adapt its support, making sure that businesses and the wider economy have the support they need. Just this week, for example, the government extended a moratorium on business evictions, meaning that commercial tenants are protected from the risk of eviction until the end of the year.

It was encouraging to see how lively Hersham was this afternoon. Over the coming months, I’ll be making sure that the government’s measures continue to support business right across Elmbridge.