Govt offering help for small firms on the high street, minister says

The government is offering small businesses "practical ways to attract new custom" and is not overlooking the role convenience stores play in the local community.

That is according to Local Growth Minister Mark Prisk, who said that Westminster has also delivered doubled small business rate reliefs and a 20 per cent reduction on Corporation Tax to help firms manage their bills.

Mr Prisk was speaking at the Association of Convenience Stores, where he revealed that convenience stores represent around 40 per cent of all rural shops.

He added: "In the age of supermarkets and online retail it's easy to forget that convenience stores make up more than quarter of all shops. Yet they are not just an important part of the economy. For many people their local shop is also a lifeline."

It comes after the TaxPayers' Alliance joined calls for George Osborne to freeze business rates in next month's Autumn Statement.

Posted by Thomas Fletcher

Last updated: 28th November 2012