Small businesses are the beating heart of our economy. They create pride in where we live, quality jobs, and services with a personal touch. That’s why this week ahead of Small Business Saturday, I launch Labour’s detailed plan to give small businesses what they need to succeed.

A Labour government will hardwire the voice of small business into everything we do. We will legislate to tackle late payments, unlocking £20 billion in unpaid invoices. We will scrap business rates and replace it with a system that is fairer for bricks and mortar businesses in which online giants pay their fair share.

Really importantly for areas like Tameside, we will revitalise our high streets by tackling anti-social behaviour and creating new powers to take over empty shops. We will boost small business exports, removing the barriers to export with clear information and support. And we will lead a new direction for the skills agenda, with Technical Excellence Colleges connected to local economic needs, so small businesses have the employees they need and skilled workers can find quality jobs on their doorsteps.

Labour will get Britain building again by speeding up the planning system and unblocking the grid, creating opportunities for construction and skilled traders. We will make Britain a clean energy superpower giving small businesses as well as households cheaper bills. We will make Britain the best place to start up and scale up, with better access to finance. And we will give SMEs a fair chance at public contracts, with guaranteed shortlisting for smaller firms.

Governments can’t make businesses successful. It’s the hard work, vision and graft of business owners and their teams that drive success. But governments can, as we have seen too often over the last 13 years, make life more difficult, with low investment, poor productivity, low growth, constant chaos and cancelled infrastructure projects. And governments can, when they get it right, provide small businesses and start-ups with the platform they need to succeed. I see my role as to listen, to engage, to communicate our plans clearly, and to try and solve problems… rather than cause them.

Many local business founders have told me about sleepless nights over the last few tough years, from the pandemic to the cost-of-living crisis. I know the uncertainty has taken its toll, so I want to say thank you to every small business that has managed to keep their doors open and keep jobs in our communities.

We have some fabulous small businesses here, both newly launched and well-established. This Small Business Saturday, through your Christmas shopping and beyond, please show them your support, and thank them for the difference they make to you.