Backing Blackpool’s small businesses – a bold plan for local growth

Small businesses are the beating heart of Blackpool. Family-run B&Bs, local tradespeople and independent shops and venues all play a vital role in our community, our economy and our future. I’m proud to support the Labour Government’s new SME Strategy – a bold, practical plan that puts small and medium-sized businesses at the very centre of our economic recovery and national growth.

Tackling the late payment crisis

For too long, small firms across Blackpool have been left waiting for payments from big companies. Labour is finally taking action. We’re introducing the toughest anti-late payment laws in a generation, including a legal 60-day payment cap and new powers for the Small Business Commissioner to fine big firms who don’t pay on time. This change alone could save Blackpool businesses thousands every year and keep more local firms open and thriving.

£4 Billion in support

Too many people in Blackpool have the ambition but not the finance to launch their ideas. That’s changing. Labour’s new plan includes 69,000 Start-Up Loans across the UK, a £3bn boost to the ENABLE programme to unlock affordable finance for small businesses and fair and transparent rules on personal guarantees. Whether you're starting your first business or looking to expand, there will be tools and finance in place to help you succeed.

Reviving our high streets

We all want to see a more vibrant Blackpool. This plan makes that a reality with permanent business rate cuts for local retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with rateable values under £500,000 starting in April. High street rental auctions to fill empty shops and bring vacant properties back into us and a ban on unfair “Upward Only” rent reviews will make it more affordable to run a shop in town.

Cutting red tape and supporting growth

Labour’s plan also slashes the red tape that’s been holding too many small businesses back. We’re cutting regulatory admin costs by 25%, freeing up time and money launching Hospitality and Night-Time Economy Zones to simplify licensing and boost footfall and backing small firms to adopt new technologies and improve their business skills. This will help our pubs, restaurants and night-time venues flourish – creating more local jobs and a safer, more vibrant town for us all.

Investing in people and skills

We’re also putting people at the centre of our strategy. A new Business Growth Service will provide support, advice and mentoring. Investment in apprenticeships, T-Levels and local training will make sure small firms have the skilled workforce they need. And we will back the next generation of Blackpool entrepreneurs – not hold them back.

Labour’s SME Strategy is more than policy – it’s a practical, community-first plan that will deliver real change for Blackpool. After years of neglect from the Conservatives, we’re finally giving our local businesses the tools they need to thrive.

This is what our Plan for Change looks like – backing business, empowering communities and making Blackpool a better place to live, work and thrive.

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