A Margate shop owner has had the opportunity to promote the needs of Thanet’s small businesses to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, thanks to an invitation from the Labour MP for East Thanet.
Polly Billington MP and Katy Lassen, the owner of Harbour & Tide in Margate, attended a reception for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the South East held in Number 11 Downing Street on Monday (10 November).
Harbour & Tide is a shop selling sustainable gifts and beach accessories on Margate seafront.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, welcomed a variety of businesses from across the region into Downing Street. The reception was an opportunity for Katy and other SME owners and employees from across the South East to speak directly to the Chancellor ahead of the upcoming autumn budget.
Speaking after the event, Polly Billington MP said she was determined to put the prosperity of coastal communities at the heart of the government’s economic agenda.
She said: “Harbour & Tide is a fantastic seaside business in Margate, where SMEs are the backbone of our local economy. I was delighted to welcome Katy to Downing Street as I continue my campaign to put coastal prosperity at the heart of Labour’s plans for national renewal.”
Katy added: “If you had told me five years ago that I would quit my career in fashion, open a sea swimming inspired beach shop and end up visiting Downing Street to represent small businesses I wouldn’t have believed you! It was an honour to be there representing East Thanet and all the incredible independent businesses we have here.
“I want to thank Polly for the invitation and for being proactive in engaging with the small business community in Thanet and for her enthusiasm to make change happen. Rest assured myself and my fellow business owners lobbied Rachel Reeves and our MPs, ensuring they know what needs to be done to support small businesses like ours.”
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, said: “We are a pro-business government and we know that SMEs are the beating heart of high streets, industrial estates, and local economies across the country.
“That’s why we’re reforming business rates, have secured trade deals with the US, EU and India to boost exports of whisky, gin and other British products, and have seen interest rates cut five times since the election, benefiting businesses in every part of Britain.”
“One day, this could all be yours!”
What, the curtains father?
Harbour and Tide has offered employment to how many locals? By locals I mean those who have been in the area since leaving school, as opposed to the DFL arty-farty’s who do absolutely nothing for the area. Polly Billington has done absolutely nothing for her constituents, except for a select handful of chums who have moved from London.
I do hate these articles because they bring put the worst in everyone.I suppose when the last immigrant is deported some twit will go on about dfls and put upon locals.
As for arty farty, it is probably the last place that AI can replace humans, even if they are DFLs.
The article invites comments from readers, whether you personally approve of the comments or not. That is an editorial decision. Stop trying to stifle freedom of expression. If you feel upset by others comments and need to throw your toys out the pram, then don’t read the comments.
Aah Polly Billington promoting her friends shop where the price of a childrens small bucket to take to the beach is 10 to 18 pounds. How about supporting real working class people and not ypur middle class mates down from London.
Well done Katy. Long live expensive buckets!
This really is a marginal business as opposed to the great work done by the likes of family businesses such as the Buoy and Oyster, Bottega Caruso, Lovelys or Staples, or the Old Kent Market initiative etc. etc. Has Billington not explored the reality of what is actually working locally in difficult times? But then her government is hammering small businesses as well as farmers, so I guess little will and insight.
Food & drinks paid for by Lord Alli.
Just closed down a small local business that has been trading for decades. At least by standing next to the innumerate, cry-baby Rachel From Accounts she looks more intelligent.