For Small Business Saturday today, Brentford and Isleworth MP Ruth Cadbury has called for more support for small businesses in Hounslow as they attempt to recover from the pandemic.

Last week Ruth visited businesses throughout the constituency in support of their crucial role in both the local economy and community.

According to the Federation of Small Businesses, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) make up 99% of the business population in the UK.

Small Business Saturday celebrates small business success and encourages consumers to 'shop local' and to support businesses in their communities.

This year it is calling on the nation to share a 'big thank you' with small firms to recognise their vital role throughout the pandemic.

Ruth said: ''Small businesses play a huge role locally in enriching our lives and supporting our communities.

"Whether it's providing jobs, supporting young apprentices or playing a role in civic life we are so lucky to have so many vibrant businesses across Hounslow.

"Our local economy has been hit hard by the decline in international aviation, along with the challenges facing many sectors such as tourism and the arts.

"I was pleased that Hounslow Council have played a pioneering role in supporting local businesses through the £20 shopping voucher for local residents to spend in local businesses.

"However it's extremely frustrating that our Government are continuing to stifle the recovery by playing further burdens on businesses locally. In the recent budget we saw the Chancellor not only hike up national insurance rates for businesses, but we also saw him refuse to fix our broken business rates system.

"I know from listening to businesses that the current rates system is out-dated and unfair- with rates varying for no logical reason.

"That's why I've urged the Government to scrap our business rates system and replace it with a new, fairer system that encourages long term investment.''