Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy in Great Yarmouth. Over the last decade, I’ve supported and celebrated these small businesses through organising regular Jobs’ Fairs and the Yarmouth Greats awards.

In Parliament, I’ve supported policies that ease the burden on small businesses by reducing their taxes through reforms of business rates that included doubling rate relief, which many businesses no longer pay rates. And we are tackling one of the biggest threats to small businesses – late payment – cracking down on unfair payment business practices by big business.

It’s fantastic news that over £500 million from Start-Up Loan Scheme has already been used to support smaller firms across the country, including here in Great Yarmouth. New figures show that over 50 loans have been awarded in our area, with firms receiving financial support to either get their business going or help existing businesses to grow and reach their full potential.

Now I’m urging small and start-up businesses in the Great Yarmouth constituency to apply for this support, which will help them to boost their productivity and create new jobs.

You can find out more about the Government-backed Start-Up Loan Scheme, including eligibility and what support you can receive here. If you have a brilliant business idea and want advice on how to start up a new business you can find excellent guides here and a series of business planning templates here.