In his latest column, the Stalybridge and Hyde MP recounts his Easter break - which, as Shadow Business Secretary, involved supporting some small local businesses.

I’m back in Parliament this week feeling suitably refreshed after deeply valued time at home over the Easter recess. 

While the Commons focusses on today’s (Thursday) vote on investigating whether Parliament was misled over Downing Street lockdown breaches, I feel blessed to have caught up with friends and family, and enjoyed our wonderful local amenities, from Hyde Leisure Pool to Stamford Park.

I was particularly proud to welcome my parents to Stalybridge Street Fest. Nipping down from Sunderland for a couple of days, having seen the buzz about the foodie market on my Facebook page previously, they were keen to wrap up warm and enjoy it for themselves.

Neither the grub nor the atmosphere disappointed; frankly, Mum thought her gourmet toastie was the best thing she’d ever tasted. The rest of the family between us nailed a hot dog, halloumi fries, wood fired pizza, Greek chicken kebab, crepes and ice cream to die for. And that’s the beauty of seeing Armentieres Square come to life like this; bring the whole squad and everyone can try what they fancy. A lovely treat that supports the continued revival of our town centres.

We finished the evening watching the sunset over the moors from the coffee lounge and wine bar above Magpie’s Nest gift shop. It’s wonderful to see flagship local businesses like this continue to expand and innovate, just as nearby Gladstone’s Barber & Bistro and Florence & Amelias have, and further afield the likes of favourites such as Lymefield, Gracie’s, The Allotment Café and The Gillery.

Another emerging gem in Tameside’s foodie crown is Bee’s Coffee Pot, situated in the rolling hills between Matley and Mottram. We took the kids on bright and shiny Easter Saturday, and enjoyed a gorgeous walk along Harrop Edge, rewarded with a fantastic lunch at this dog friendly countryside café with unrivalled views over Longdendale and beyond. I can recommend the loaded fries, and the bairns went wild for milkshakes and cakes.

Small businesses like these are the essence of our community, enriching our quality of life, providing employment and reducing treks into city centres or shopping malls. But with first a pandemic and now a painful cost of living crisis, many local businesses are struggling. That’s why Labour would completely reform business rates, lifting the threshold and meaning many more small businesses would be exempt.

Please support them if you can. Let’s make sure our towns and villages are thriving hubs, with heart, soul and character. Places we are proud to show off to our out of town guests.

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