A champion of Morecambe town centre has directly lobbied the Chancellor of the Exchequer over the problems of rising costs being faced by local businesses.
David Waddington, chair of Morecambe BID, was invited by Lizzi Collinge, MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale, to attend a reception hosted by Rachel Reeves at Number 11 Downing Street.
Mr Waddington joined MPs, business representatives and community leaders from across the country for discussions around the Government’s Great British Summer Savings initiative.
The scheme has introduced a temporary VAT reduction from 20 per cent to 5 per cent on eligible children’s meals and family attractions over the summer period, designed to help families enjoy days out while encouraging spending across hospitality, leisure and tourism businesses.
While welcoming any measure that helps families and supports footfall, Mr Waddington said he used the opportunity to raise direct feedback from Morecambe BID members and businesses across the district about the pressures they are currently facing.
These included rising employer National Insurance contributions, wage costs, business rates and energy bills, alongside the cumulative impact that increasing overheads are having on the ability of businesses to invest, employ people and grow.
“I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to represent Morecambe BID, our levy members and businesses across the district at No.11 Downing Street," said Mr Waddington, who owns miogelato - a gelateria business serving Italian ice cream with shops in Morecambe and Lancaster.
“Any initiative that helps families to get out, enjoy themselves and spend money locally is welcome in principle.
"The Great British Summer Savings scheme has the potential to encourage that over the summer months.
“However, the wider challenge for many businesses is whether customers have enough disposable income in the first place - and whether businesses themselves can continue to absorb the rising costs they are facing.
“I was able to take direct feedback from our members to the Chancellor, particularly from hospitality businesses, hotels, retailers and independent operators. The message was clear: businesses are under real pressure from the combined effect of National Insurance increases, wage costs, business rates and energy bills.
“For many owners, the immediate concern is survival. But when businesses are constantly focused on costs and what can be cut, it becomes much harder to invest, create jobs, innovate and deliver the quality of experience they want to give their customers.
“That is particularly important in hospitality. The best restaurants, cafés, bars and hotels are built on people who care deeply about what they do. When the pressure becomes overwhelming, it takes a toll on business owners, their teams and ultimately the customer experience.
“I was proud to be able to take those real-world examples from Morecambe directly into the room. The Chancellor listened to the points raised, and Lizzi Collinge also raised issues on behalf of her constituents.
“Morecambe has significant opportunities ahead, not least through Eden Project Morecambe and the increased visitor economy that it can bring. But it is vital that the businesses already here are supported to survive, grow and benefit from that future.”
Ms Collinge, posting on her official Facebook page on June 29, said: "Morecambe went to No. 11 this evening to celebrate Great British Summer Savings.
"David Waddington, chair of Morecambe BID, of course didn't miss an opportunity to lobby the Chancellor on behalf of local businesses."
Morecambe BID (Business Improvement District) is a not-for-profit organisation led by a volunteer board of local business representatives, who spend money raised by a levy on improvements to the town centre.
The BID said they would continue to represent the interests of businesses across the town centre, working to promote the area, strengthen the visitor economy and ensure the experiences of local businesses are heard at local, regional and national level
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