Sir Oliver recently visited a number of businesses on Radlett High Street to hear directly from local owners about the opportunities, successes and challenges facing independent retailers and hospitality businesses.
A clear and consistent message emerged throughout each visit. Business owners spoke of the growing pressures created by rising business rates and the existing level of charges, increases in employer National Insurance contributions and the removal of free parking at Newberries Car Park, which they believe is discouraging customers from visiting and spending time on the High Street.
During the visit, Sir Oliver met with business owners to discuss how these challenges are affecting footfall, investment and confidence among local businesses at a time when many are already facing increasing operating costs.
Oliver began his visit at Injeanious, where owner Mark Phillips spoke about the pressures facing independent retailers. Echoing concerns raised by other businesses on the High Street, Mark highlighted the impact of rising business rates and increased employment costs, including higher National Insurance contributions. He also raised concerns about the removal of free parking at Newberries Car Park and the current 30-minute parking allowance, arguing that both can deter shoppers from spending longer on the High Street and supporting local businesses.
He then visited Vimi's Coffee Shop, where he learned more about the café's popular selection of freshly prepared vegetarian and vegan dishes, as well as its strong commitment to serving the local community. Alongside discussing the success of the business, concerns were raised about the cumulative impact of higher business rates, increased employment costs and changes to local parking arrangements.
Sir Oliver also met with Mansoor Hussaini, owner of Home Needs, who raised many of the same concerns. He emphasised the cumulative impact of higher business rates, increased employment costs and changes to parking provision, highlighting the importance of ensuring Radlett High Street remains easily accessible for customers, particularly older residents.
Cllr William Susman, Vice Chair of Aldenham Parish Council, said: “The concerns raised by our local businesses are very much mirrored by residents. People regularly tell us that having to pay to park simply to pop into the village for a pint of milk, collect a prescription or make a quick purchase can put them off and encourage them to look at alternatives.
“We should be doing everything we reasonably can to encourage residents to visit Radlett, use our shops and services and support our High Street. Convenient and affordable parking is an important part of that. A thriving High Street benefits the whole community, and we need to make it as easy as possible for people to shop locally.”
Sir Oliver said: "It was a pleasure to visit businesses on Radlett High Street and hear first-hand about both the successes they are achieving and the challenges they are working hard to overcome. Independent businesses make a vital contribution to our local economy and play a key role in maintaining the character and vitality of our High Streets."
He added: "While each business I visited was unique, there was a clear and consistent message. Owners are facing mounting pressures from higher business rates, increases in National Insurance contributions and concerns that the removal of free parking at Newberries Car Park is reducing footfall on the High Street. These challenges can have a significant impact on businesses' ability to grow, invest and create local jobs."
"Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and it is important that their voices are heard. I will continue raising these concerns with Hertsmere Borough Council and Ministers, while championing policies that support independent businesses and help ensure our High Streets remain vibrant places to work, shop and visit."
The visit forms part of Sir Oliver's ongoing engagement with businesses across the constituency to better understand the challenges facing local High Streets and ensure that the views of local employers are represented in discussions about the future of the economy.
