THE MERIDEN and Solihull East MP has reaffirmed support for small and medium-sized businesses.
Saqib Bhatti spoke at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) breakfast about the vital role small businesses play in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and sustaining communities across the West Midlands and the wider United Kingdom.
Mr Bhatti highlighted that while many businesses in the West Midlands continue to show resilience and ambition, firms are also facing significant challenges including rising costs, access to finance, inflationary pressures, workforce shortages, and uncertainty around taxation and regulation.
At the same time, surveys by the Federation of Small Businesses and other business organisations have shown confidence among small firms nationally has fallen sharply amid concerns over rising operating costs and taxation.
The Conservative MP said: “Small businesses are vital to our local and national economy. Across Meriden and Solihull East, family firms, start-ups, independent retailers, manufacturers and service providers are creating opportunities and keeping our communities thriving.
“As a former president of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, and as someone who has personally run a small business, I understand first-hand both the rewards and the pressures that entrepreneurs face every day.
“The West Midlands has always been a region built on enterprise, innovation and hard work.
“Our small businesses are remarkably resilient, but they need the right environment to succeed.
“I will continue working with local businesses, the FSB and the Solihull Chamber of Commerce to ensure the voice of entrepreneurs in Meriden and Solihull East is heard loud and clear.”
The FSB breakfast event brought together local business leaders to discuss current economic conditions, regional growth opportunities, and the support needed to help firms expand and create jobs across the area.
Lee Ossbourne, regional business and stakeholder manager West Midlands at the FSB, said: “This was a valuable opportunity for small firms to engage directly with their local MP and share the realities facing businesses on the ground.
“Small businesses need the right support to take on staff, and plan for the future with confidence, and FSB will continue working with MPs across the region to ensure their voice is heard”
