Opinion: Stuart Andrew MP for Daventry celebrates Small Business Saturday

Stuart Andrew MP alongside Manager Abi of the Fork and Flower (previously The Pop Up Place).

Stuart Andrew MP, the Conservative Member of Parliament for the Daventry Constituency, has spent the last few weeks visiting some of the constituency's vibrant array of independent businesses as part of Small Business Saturday.

“Small Business Saturday, which took place last weekend, was created to encourage shoppers to take a closer look at local firms to see what they have to offer. These businesses and family firms across Daventry town centre and the constituency's villages make up the lifeblood of the economy here, and I am determined to listen, discuss and support their needs.

"Among the businesses I visited are The Pop Up Place in Long Buckby, where I met with Manager Abi, which has recently transformed into the Fork and Flower. It was great to learn what started as a pandemic-inspired initiative to support the local community has grown to become a thriving community venue offering cuisine and entertainment. In the same area, I visited Verdes Sandwich Shop where it was lovely to meet the staff and try their sandwiches with my team, which we very much enjoyed. I look forward to visiting again soon to discuss in more detail how I can support Verdes as we enter the New Year.

"In Earls Barton, visits included New Lodge Vineyard, a family-run boutique operation offering exceptional British wines and local cheese pairings, where I met Rebecca and her welcoming team. A true hidden gem, I look forward to returning in the summer to see the Vineyard in full bloom and to meet again soon to discuss some of the challenges facing our agricultural businesses. I also visited Ruby and Claret, a well beloved wine bar that has enriched the High Street since 2018 with its impressive international wine selection. I met with the owner Greg to discuss challenges as well as opportunities for independent wine bars.

Stuart Andrew MP alongside Councillor Scott Brown and Manager Rebecca of New Lodge Vineyard and her team.

"On Friday, I paid a visit to Suddenly On Sheaf Street, the town's only independent bookshop. Located in a Grade II listed 16th century building, this unique venue houses over 7,000 books and offers various community activities. During this visit, I met with founder Cheryl Thallon and Store Managers Joanna and Tom where discussions covered crucial topics including improving links between the town centre and county park, Eastern Way, the repurposing of the old Northamptonshire Union Bank, improving shop frontages and addressing the state of our pavements which have been adversely affected by tarmac repairs. I was delighted to be invited to join the next Daventry Retailers Forum in January, where I'll have the opportunity to hear directly from our local retailers about how I can support them further.

"We have fantastic businesses in our constituency, and I encourage everyone to support Small Business Saturday and discover what they offer. As your MP, I will continue to support and defend our local businesses.

"Local business owners wishing to discuss any challenges or opportunities can contact me via [email protected]."