For last week’s Small Business Saturday – part of the campaign to encourage people to shop locally – I was very glad to be asked to welcome a fantastic addition to Brighton and Hove’s independent shopping scene by opening the new hiSbe supermarket on York Place. 

hiSbe is short for “how it Should be”.

It aims to offer customers food that is healthy, sourced locally and ethically, and affordable to all. 

Unique and vibrant small businesses such as hiSbe are vital both to Brighton and Hove’s local economy, and to the local community as well.

I’d like to wish the founders, Ruth and Amy Anslow, all the best for the new enterprise.

The visit on Small Business Saturday came the week after I called on the Government to raise the threshold for small business rates.

I was pleased therefore that the Chancellor’s Autumn statement contained an announcement of a rates discount for small businesses.

It’s positive to have some recognition from the Government of the pressures facing small businesses, but I’ll continue to press for a higher threshold for rate relief so more small businesses can benefit, as well as supporting the campaign to reduce VAT on tourism.

Image: Cutting the ribbon with hiSbe founders Ruth and Amy Anslow