One thing that I believe is truly great about Harlow, is that our town is full of entrepreneurs. We have a can-do hardwork culture. On top of this, we also have thousands of dynamic companies that take on apprentices, like Destiny Hairdressing in the Greenway, run by Danielle Field, plus many other local shops and cafes.
Many hundreds of these are mini-businesses: one or two people outfits, start-up companies, and entrepreneurs who run their business from home.
When I am out and about, people who work in these firms often tell me that they feel Government is getting in the way of jobs and growth. But I’m pleased to say that at last we have a Government that is making life easier for Harlow entrepreneurs.
First of all, residents will be allowed to start a business in their home, if they are a social tenant, for the first time in history.
Secondly, profits tax is being cut to 26p for large firms, and 20p for small firms.
Thirdly, we are extending the Small Business Rate-Relief Holiday for another year. This will save 900 small firms in Harlow at least £1,500 each.
Fourthly, we will fund an extra 250,000 apprenticeships over the next four years. Apprenticeships in Essex have already risen by 44% this year, including my own Harlow apprentice who works with me in Parliament.
Fifthly, we are bringing in lower taxes for lower earners, by raising the threshold of income tax nearly £7,500 this year, and again to £8,105 in 2012. This will make the average Harlow worker £326 better off than they are today.
Harlow’s entrepreneurial spirit is well-documented. We have 2,500 firms registered in the town, and new start-ups all the time. Perhaps this is one of the reasons that local unemployment is coming down?
Since the height of the recession, at least 500 people Harlow who were unemployed have come back into work. I am proud to say that Harlow is well and truly open for business. We are starting to make our mark as the most entrepreneurial town in Essex.
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