LOCAL businesses are being asked by Wellington’s MP Gideon Amos to complete a survey about their overheads and the challenges they face.

Mr Amos said he wanted to gather ‘clear, factual evidence’ to make the strongest case he can for more Government support.

He said: “Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of our economy.

“To champion them, after being elected, I established a business advisory group, In2West, to inform my work in close alignment with Somerset Council advocating for inward investment and responding directly to issues raised by businesses.

“In Parliament, I have repeatedly challenged the Government on its approach to business costs, particularly higher employer National Insurance contributions, rising business rates, and soaring energy bills.

“While the Government’s recent 20 per cent discount to business rates for pubs, following sustained pressure from Liberal Democrat MPs and our Treasury spokesperson Daisy Cooper, is welcome, it does not go far enough.

“It is the hospitality sector as a whole which needs support.”

Mr Amos said he had in debates and meetings with Ministers:

  • Challenged Government failure to deliver promised business rates reductions
  • Raised cases where business rates now exceeded rent, making trading unsustainable
  • Highlighted local businesses facing triple-digit percentage increases following revaluation
  • Made the case for a better trade deal with the EU to reduce import/export costs
  • Advocated for lower energy costs and reduced VAT for retail, hospitality, and leisure
  • Raised concerns about rising employer National Insurance and wage costs

He said: “Many local businesses tell me policy-driven increases in fixed costs mean turnover would have to rise substantially simply to stand still.”

Mr Amos said responses to his survey would ‘help me challenge Government directly on the issues that matter to you, and to argue for fairer support for local retail, hospitality, and leisure businesses’.