During the summer months our towns and villages across Torridge and West Devon enjoy the increased footfall that the tourism industry brings; with our cafes, shops and other small businesses experiencing a growth in trade as the warm weather brings people from all over the world to visit our beautiful countryside and coastline.
What is important, however, is ensuring that these businesses are also able to survive during the quieter winter months, which represent a tough period for many, with some sadly being forced to close due to the loss of income.
Yet it is these same small businesses, including the independent shops selling food, clothes, antiques, books, crafts and gifts, and the delicatessens, restaurants and cafés, which make our rural towns and villages unique, giving them an appeal that stands them head and shoulders above the many generic high streets that are seen up and down the country.
Tavistock is one such example of a diverse independent sector, with its famous pannier market and its many independent retailers giving it individual charm and character. Ensuring the survival of our high streets by supporting our small businesses is therefore essential and an issue in which I take a strong interest.
With this in mind, I am extremely pleased to see the great work being done by the Tavistock BID to ensure improved footfall and visitor experience in the town; with the introduction of the £2 parking charge being just one such initiative.
I am also pleased that this Government is again making it a priority to help small businesses, to ensure that they remain the lifeblood of our local economy and the driving force of our economic recovery. Small businesses have been able to get cash grants to take on an apprentice and £10 billion of red tape was cut during the last Government. However, we are not standing still. A new Enterprise Bill will ensure we are the best place in Europe to do business and another £10 billion of regulation will be cut during this Parliament.
As well as supporting existing businesses, we will also help to create 600,000 new business starts a year by 2020 by ensuring businesses get paid on time, and that they get the fast broadband access and the finance they need to grow. I am determined we shall do all we can to ensure the economic wellbeing of independent high streets and other unique and individual small businesses throughout West Devon.