Rachel Reeves, Labour’s Chancellor of the Exchequer and chief budget-setter, missed out on visiting an artisan market recently – even though she was right above it, within the same venue!
The recent UK budget under Labour’s current government has come under much criticism, but perhaps only time will tell if it can pay off for smaller businesses. However, with missed opportunities like this one, are our government doing enough to be present and listen to a diverse range of small businesses owners?
Rachel Reeves recently visited Leeds Corn Exchange, which is an events venue and a hub for independent businesses in her Leeds West constituency. The Tilly & Primrose pop-up artisan market was running on the ground floor below, whilst Reeves, BBC correspondents and their respective entourage were on the balcony, visiting some of the more permanent shops hosting independent businesses there.
During her visit, Reeves engaged with local business owners to discuss Labour’s economic priorities, but she missed the bustling artisan market just below. This oversight would have been an excellent opportunity to get to the heart of what small and micro businesses in the UK really need; visibility.
Visibility is something which the team at Pedddle, the UK’s premier artisan market directory, endeavour to highlight. Pedddle’s Marketing Manager, Rebecca Adams, explains, “visibility is absolutely key for smaller businesses. Although the UK economy is struggling right now, and people may not be able to buy goods as they usually might, if they see smaller businesses on social media, online or in person, but can’t buy from them right now, Pedddle helps them to remember to shop from them in future. You can sign up to Pedddle for free as a customer member and save favourite market stalls to your own personal dashboard, to shop from them in future. Ms Reeves really missed an opportunity to not only speak to a diverse range of business owners but help these people feel seen”.
This visit to the Corn Exchange underscores Labour’s focus on supporting small and micro businesses, with Reeves emphasising the need for policies that create stability and growth for independent traders. However, it would have been brilliant if she’d have taken the time to visit the pop-up market stallholders too and an even more diverse range of business owners.
Labour’s recent budget proposals aim to address the UK’s cost-of-living crisis and foster economic resilience. Key measures proposed include targeted tax relief for small enterprises, expanded access to affordable credit, and increased investment in local high streets. These measures could help a wide variety of small and micro businesses, which are essential to the British economy, with both pop-up stalls and more permanent buildings in which to sell in.
For Leeds’ vibrant entrepreneurial community, Labour’s vision offers hope for renewed growth and prosperity in a challenging economic climate – but the test of time will reveal the truth.
Although we are sad to hear Rachel Reeves didn’t spare a minute to pop down to the market below, it’s great to see the other small businesses at the venue being highlighted, and she did take the time to speak to the more permanent independent shop owners there.
By using Pedddle to discover local markets and stallholders in your home area, and shopping from them, we all help boost our own local economies. Let’s carry this motivation throughout 2025!
