Ladywood Lib Dems launch Small Business Survey

9.19.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 21st May 2009

Lorely Burt MP joined David Nikel to launch the Small Business Survey

We care about the fortunes of small businesses across Ladywood. From high street shops in Aston to creative start-ups in Digbeth, from home-based tradesman to taxi-drivers, we want to hear how the recession is affecting your business - and what you think the Liberal Democrats can do to help.

Backed by Liberal Democrat President Baroness Scott and Spokesperson for Lorely Burt MP, we have launched a small business survey which you can take online.

Baroness Scott joined local campaigners David Nikel, Morriam Jan and Parliamentary Candidate Cllr Ayoub Khan to launch the survey in the Jewellery Quarter recently.

Feelings were mixed, with some businesses faring reasonably well, but others concerned that a lengthy recession will create casualties.

The Liberal Democrat team were pleased to discuss various grants and rate reliefs that may be available, as well as Vince Cable's proposals for getting the country back on its feet.

Baroness Scott said, "We visited a bridal store which had been in the news recently.

"The franchisee had gone into administration, so two of the staff had bought the shop using their credit cards. By doing so, they had saved the weddings of nearly fifty couples and, having recently got married myself, I could understand exactly how those couples would have felt. The financing has now been put on a more secure footing, and they are optimistic looking forward."

Local campaigner David Nikel said, "I was delighted to accompany Baroness Scott on the launch of our Small Business Survey. The Government has left small businesses with very little room to maneuver and we are in danger of losing a large percentage of them. Entrepreneurs have been the lifeblood of this country and the Government should be doing far more to make sure it stays that way.

"I encourage all local business people to let us know their views by taking our short survey online. We're really keen to hear your views".