Small Business Minister Visit - Listening to Local Business Voices

Liz Hutchings, Founder of Total Guide to Dorset, Total Business Network and Total Marketing, attended the session to represent the perspectives of local businesses and the wider business community she works with across the region.

Listening to Local Business Voices

The roundtable gave business owners the opportunity to speak directly with the Minister Blair McDougall and local MP Jess Toale about the realities of running a business in the current economic climate.

Key topics raised by businesses included the impact of rising employment costs, particularly National Insurance contributions and increasing wage pressures, alongside the ongoing challenge of business rates for hospitality and retail operators. 

Liz Hutchings said:

“We work with hundreds of businesses across Dorset through Total Guide to Dorset and Total Business Network, so it was important to be able to represent their voices in the room. Many of our members and clients are experiencing similar challenges right now, particularly around rising employment costs and the pressure this puts on small businesses.”

Accessibility and Footfall in Bournemouth

Another important discussion point was the cost and accessibility of parking in Bournemouth town centre, with businesses highlighting the impact this can have on encouraging visitors into the area.

Many business owners agreed that making Bournemouth easier to access and more attractive for visitors remains key to increasing footfall and supporting the local economy.

Supporting the Next Generation of Workers

Businesses also discussed the challenges facing young people entering the workforce, with concerns raised about how rising wage costs can impact entry-level opportunities and the importance of training and workplace skills development.

There were also conversations around empty retail units in the town centre, and the need to simplify development processes and reduce bureaucracy to make it easier for businesses to grow and invest locally.

An Important Conversation for Bournemouth

The event formed part of Bournemouth Town Centre BID’s ongoing work to ensure local businesses have opportunities to engage directly with decision makers and share their experiences.

Liz added:

“Roundtable discussions like this are incredibly valuable. It’s important that national policymakers hear directly from the businesses operating in our town centres every day. Bournemouth has a vibrant business community, and by working together we can continue to support its growth and future success.”

For more information about Bournemouth Town Centre BID and its work supporting businesses in the town centre, visit their website.