A government minister paid a visit to Brighton to promote Small Business Saturday and learn about the opportunities and challenges facing entrepreneurs.
Kelly Tolhurst, the Small Business Minister, met local businessmen and women, business leaders and local politicians.
Her visit was part of the “Small Business Saturday Bus Tour” but she dismissed suggestions that it was a stunt, saying that it helped to raise the profile of independent traders in places like Brighton.
It was used as an opportunity to offer mentoring support and provide advice, she said, as well as to highlight things like start-up loans and a helpline for those running their own firms.
And it was also about promoting Small Business Saturday on Saturday 1 December when shoppers are encouraged to support local traders.
She said: “Brighton is rich in history and its thriving small business community draws visitors from around the world to revel in the vast array of attractions and activities, boosting the economy by billions of pounds every year.
“It’s not just the small businesses in The Lanes which are bringing people in their droves to the south coast but the iconic waterfront and the stunning Royal Pavilion which has stood proudly on the landscape for more than 200 years.
“Brighton is like nowhere else – its thriving entrepreneurial spirit and vast array of attractions and activities on offer for all ages help to drive an economy that works for everyone which is key to our modern Industrial Strategy.
“I had the pleasure of joining the Small Business Saturday team as part of my visit to Brighton.
“I met a number of small businesses in The Lanes to see the positive way they have used government-backed investment from the Start-Up Loans fund and Small Business Saturday to invest and grow.
“It helped to further my understanding of the current opportunities and challenges that they are facing and how I can support them as the Small Business Minister.”
The minister was greeted by the Mayor of Brighton and Hove, Councillor Dee Simson, and met Brilliant Brighton chief executive Gavin Stewart, Wired Sussex managing director Phil Jones.
Among the local politicians to meet the Conservative government minister was Labour councillor Nancy Platts, the lead member for economic development and social value on Brighton and Hove City Council.
Two senior Tories were also at the event – Councillor Tony Janio, leader of the opposition on the council, and Councillor Steve Bell, deputy leader.
Among those promoting the event was Michelle Ovens, Small Business Saturday director, who said: “We’re excited to have the support of Kelly Tolhurst for the Small Business Saturday bus tour stop in Brighton.”
She said that it was “all about highlighting the positive impact that small businesses have in the town and across the surrounding area”.
She added: “It is a great chance for local business owners to receive mentoring and to showcase their products and services to the local community.
“Brighton is a growing vibrant and creative hub and it is great to showcase the small businesses that provide the foundation to the local economy.”
