Chelsea and Fulham M.P., Greg Hands, visited Chelsea Flooring Company today to hear about the challenges small firms face. Small Business Saturday will take place tomorrow and is about encouraging residents to shop local and support small, independent firms who are often the back bone of local communities.
The visit was arranged through the FSB, or Federation of Small Businesses. The FSB has this week warmly welcomed the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, saying: “Relaxing business rates for those firms that want to expand and incentivising new businesses into empty properties on the high street will boost retail and town centres Retailers on struggling high streets will be especially heartened by the additional £1,000 relief.”
Chelsea Flooring Company is a family run business with over 40 years of experience in the flooring trade. Based in Dawes Road, Fulham they provide to domestic and commercial customers looking for quality carpets and floor coverings.
Owner of Chelsea Flooring Company, Mr Keohane, said: “We have a wide and loyal customer base all over London, surrounding areas of Surrey, and the Home Counties. Customer service is very important to us, we have a good reputation and we’re proud to have recommendations and long term relationships with many of our clients.”
According to latest research from the Federation of Small Businesses, confidence amongst micro firms is improving. However, high business rates, a lack of access to affordable finance and prohibitive parking policies continue to stifle the growth of many small firms across London. Small Business Saturday is a new initiative to encourage Londoners to think local and support independent stores during this busy shopping period.
Greg said: “It’s vital that local residents support small businesses in their community. Federation of Small Business research suggests that for £1 spent with a local supplier puts £1.76 back into the local economy. But it’s also about the personal service that many small firms can offer and that’s why businesses like Chelsea Flooring Company have a loyal customer base.”