Adam Dance: Small businesses need a fair deal all year

It is a great time to pause and recognise the shops, cafés, tradespeople, pubs, food producers and independent services that give our towns their character.

But our support for these businesses must go far beyond a single day.

Across the United Kingdom there were 5.7m small and medium-sized enterprises in 2025, including 5.4m micro businesses.

That means 99.9 per cent of all UK businesses are SMEs and 95 per cent are micro businesses.

These are family firms, sole traders and small teams who work hard every day.

Nationally, SMEs provide three-fifths of all private-sector jobs and about half of private-sector turnover.

They are at the heart of our economy and central to the life of our towns and villages.

One of the best parts of being the MP for this area is getting out to meet these businesses.

I hear about the long hours, the pride in their work, and the value they bring to the community.

Many have remarkable stories.

But I also hear how difficult things have become.

The recent Budget was a real disappointment for many business owners I spoke with.

Instead of stability and a plan for growth, it has created more uncertainty.

Rising costs, business rates increases and a confusing tax system have left many wondering how they can plan ahead.

For our high streets and rural towns, this is especially worrying.

The Liberal Democrats have been clear that the government needs to do more to support small businesses.

We have long called for business rates reform to create a fairer system that does not punish physical shops in places like Chard, Ilminster, and Crewkerne while large online retailers continue to benefit.

We also want to see practical support for the hospitality sector, which employs so many people locally.

This includes a reduction in VAT for hospitality businesses to help them through difficult trading periods.

We also believe the government must repair our trading relationship with Europe.

A better deal with our nearest neighbours would reduce costs for small exporters and open up opportunities for local food producers, manufacturers and creative businesses.

Despite the challenges, our small businesses continue to show incredible resilience.

They train young people, give people their first job and bring visitors to our towns.

They support charities, sponsor local teams and bring life to our high streets.

But they cannot do it alone.

They need a government that understands them and backs them with fair rules, clear planning and a stable economic approach.

I will continue to champion our small businesses in Parliament and keep fighting for the fair deal they deserve.

If we want thriving high streets, strong local jobs and vibrant communities, then supporting our small businesses all year round is essential.