Let's actually invest in local businesses, not just talk about it.

I was chatting with Sarah last week, you know, the owner of the little bookshop down by the canal? She’s brilliant, really knows her stuff, but she was telling me how hard it is to keep going with all the rising costs and big online retailers. She’s had to cut back her hours, which means less income for her and one less place for local kids to get their hands on a proper book. It’s a shame when vibrant local spots are struggling to survive.

We need to be thinking about growth that actually benefits communities, not just abstract figures in London. This means tangible support for small and medium-sized enterprises – the backbone of places like Hebden. Imagine a scheme that offers grants for local businesses to go greener, maybe helping Sarah get some solar panels for her shop or a better insulation system. That not only helps her bottom line but also supports our environmental goals.