The business forum was set up to give local business owners the opportunity to bring feedback on what more the Government can be doing to directly help and support them.

Businesses in attendance included; The Globe Frampton Cotterell, Papilio Heritage Thornbury, Hawkesbury Stores and Hawkins in Thornbury.

The business owners raised a number of topics including; the importance of clear messaging in advice for business, the benefits of the Government furlough scheme, the need to encourage people to get back to our local pubs cafes and shops, Thornbury High Street pedestrianisation measures and feedback on the Business Grants scheme.

The Business meetings have been part of Luke’s Positive Plan for protecting jobs and the economy here in Thornbury, Yate and the surrounding villages. For local people this plan means keeping business taxes low, supporting our pubs and High Streets and holding jobs fairs so everybody in our community can get to work.

 Luke Hall said:

 “As we begin to rebuild from the pandemic ensuring that our Positive Plan for protecting jobs and the economy is implemented is now more important than ever. That is why I have begun speaking to local businesses and employers through small, socially distanced business meetings, to find out what more I can do to support local jobs and  businesses, as we begin to kickstart our economy. I shall be feeding back the issues and concerns raised directly to Chancellor Rishi Sunak and on a local level to  South Gloucestershire Council. We shall be holding more over the coming weeks, and if you would be interested in attending one of these then please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.”

 Pauline from Hawkesbury Stores said:

 “Today’s business meeting has been a great opportunity to bring issues affecting us in our village shop directly to the heart of Government. It is reassuring to us as a business that Luke shall be raising our concerns directly with the Treasury and South Gloucestershire Council.”