Political opinion: Horsham businesses have their say ahead of the Budget

Local businesses speak to Horsham MP John Milne about the rising costs putting pressure on jobs and investment and call for a fairer tax system and practical support for independent businesses. 

With the Chancellor due to deliver the Autumn Budget on Wednesday, businesses in Horsham have called for action to ease the rising costs of running a business, warning that mounting overheads are making it harder to employ staff, invest for the future and keep prices affordable for customers. 

Horsham MP, John Milne, visited businesses to hear more about the challenges they’re facing with rising costs across the high street and hospitality sector. The message was clear that the Government needs to do more to support independent businesses and give them the confidence to invest, employ and grow. 

Donna Camera, founder of La Vida, which has been based in Horsham since 1999, explained moving from larger premises with several staff to running the business herself. The additional cost of employing staff, including changes to employer National Insurance, had made it unaffordable to retain a full-time employee. 

Beeches Buffet, a popular, family-run independent café and event catering business in Horsham, is operated by Jack and Sue alongside their team. They highlighted the impact of rising business rates and energy bills, which leave less money available to invest in equipment and improve the business. They also raised concerns about the difficulty of accessing affordable finance and the challenge of offering employment opportunities.  

Richard Grady, a director of the company behind The Malt Shovel and other local pubs, called for a fairer approach to taxation across the hospitality sector. He warned that the cumulative burden of taxes was restricting pubs’ ability to invest, support local communities and create jobs, including opportunities for young people. 

Businesses identified VAT, business rates and energy costs as areas where Government action could make a tangible difference. They stressed that reducing these pressures would not only help businesses remain viable, but could also limit the need to pass rising costs on to customers.

The Liberal Democrats are calling for a temporary reduction in VAT for hospitality, accommodation and attractions from 20% to 15% until April 2028, alongside a fairer system of business rates and action to support small businesses. 

Liberal Democrat MP for Horsham, John Milne, said:  “Speaking to businesses in Horsham, it is clear that people want to keep investing, employing staff and bringing life to our high street, but rising costs are making that increasingly difficult. 

“Independent shops, cafés and pubs are a vital part of our local economy. They bring people into the town centre, provide jobs and opportunities for young people, and help build strong communities. 

“The Chancellor must listen to what businesses are saying. A cut in VAT, a fairer approach to business rates and action to ease the costs facing small employers would help give local businesses the confidence to invest and grow. 

“These businesses are not asking for special treatment. They want a fair chance to succeed. This Budget is an opportunity for the Government to show it understands the pressures facing our high streets and is prepared to act.”