The Medway Labour and Co-operative Group welcomed Labour’s Shadow Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds to Medway to hear from small business owners about the current challenges they are facing. He visited shops on Rochester High Street and heard how local business owners are struggling with inflation, business rates and the cost of living.

The Shadow Business Secretary also attended a roundtable discussion at Store 104 with the Federation of Small Businesses Kent and local business owners, in which he outlined Labour’s aspirations for small businesses following a disappointing Conservative budget last week.

Cllr Lauren Edwards, Medway Labour and Co-operative Group Spokesperson for Small Business said:

“It was wonderful to show Jonathan Reynolds the vibrant independent businesses we have on Rochester High Street. The roundtable discussion with local business owners and the Kent Federation of Small Businesses was a big success and showed that Labour is well and truly open to business. I’m proud that Medway Labour values our local business community, listens to their views, and demands they receive better support.”

ENDS

Notes

Please see attached pictures from the visit.