




I visited several shops at Weston Favell Shopping Centre, at the invitation of Kevin Legg, the Centre Manager, ahead of Small Business Saturday to show my support as we near the end of what has been an unprecedentedly difficult year.
Notwithstanding the substantial sums by way of financial support provided to businesses by the Government throughout the pandemic – for example: the furlough scheme, cash grants, loans, and the temporary abolition of business rates – Covid-19 has obviously presented severe challenges to businesses, particularly small and independent businesses, and I fully recognise their efforts to keep going in such difficult circumstances.
I am very proud to support local businesses here in Northampton, and it was both pleasant and inspiring to meet local businesspeople including at Superior Services, Wendy's Sweet Shop, Flowers Just for You, and Frango Grill, who are each based at Weston Favell Shopping Centre.
The centre has served the eastern district of Northampton since 1974, hosting some 65 retail units (bringing employment to around 400 workers), 15 of which are independent stores with a view to hopefully welcoming two more in the New Year.