Viewpoint: Small businesses should be supported

PUBLISHED: 08:00 22 July 2018

Unmesh Desai, London Assembly Member for CIty & East

Mike Brooke

Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, but they currently face a number of obstacles.

At City Hall, we are looking into ways that SMEs can be better supported. I was pleased to recently join fellow London Assembly Members from the Economy Committee to visit small businesses in Bethnal Green, and discuss what can be done to mitigate their concerns about crippling rent rises and business rates.

An improved and modernised transport system is also crucial to supporting the growth of businesses in Tower Hamlets.

I recently had the opportunity to visit the nearly completed and futuristic Whitechapel Crossrail station with Mayor Biggs and local councillors. I was very impressed with what I saw, with new concourses and entrances to enhance connectivity.

Finally, the World cup, it was wonderful to experience the buzzing atmosphere in our community. I watched the England vs Sweden game in a packed Blind Beggar on Whitechapel Road.

If you value what this story gives you, please consider supporting the East London Advertiser. Click the link in the orange box below for details.