Business owners in Bournemouth town centre met the UK’s Small Business Minister during a roundtable discussion organised by Bournemouth Town Centre BID.
The meeting took place at Flirt Café on 5 March and brought together 25 businesses from hospitality, retail, leisure and professional services alongside Blair McDougall MP, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade, and Bournemouth West MP Jessica Toale.
Businesses were invited to raise questions and share their experiences of operating in the current economic climate, with discussion covering rising employment costs, including National Insurance contributions and wage pressures, along with the ongoing impact of business rates on hospitality and retail operators.
Parking costs and accessibility were also raised, with business owners highlighting the importance of making Bournemouth town centre easier to reach in order to support footfall and encourage visitors into the area.
Participants also discussed challenges faced by young people entering the workforce, alongside concerns around empty units, easing development and reducing bureaucracy affecting businesses.
Ali Carmichael, Founder and Director of Experience UX and Town Centre BID Board Director, said the event was “a valuable opportunity for businesses to speak directly with the Small Business Minister and our town centre MP”.
He added the BID remains committed to ensuring the voices of levy payers “are heard and represented at both local and national levels”.
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