Newark MP Robert Jenrick Writes about supporting independent businesses across Newark and Sherwood in the run up to Christmas

As Christmas approaches, there’s no better time to reflect on how fortunate we are to live in such a beautiful and historic part of the country, writes Newark MP Robert Jenrick.

Newark and its surrounding villages are home to thriving communities, beautiful landscapes, and a rich local heritage.

What makes our area truly special, however, is the people — the hardworking individuals and families, small businesses, family farmers, and entrepreneurs who form the backbone of our local economy.

This coming weekend is Small Business Saturday, a great reminder to shop local and support the businesses that make Newark such a vibrant place to live and work. Whether you’re picking up gifts from independent shops, shopping at our markets, or sourcing your Christmas dinner from local farmers, every pound spent locally strengthens our economy and sustains jobs.

Last week, I had the pleasure of inviting Linsey, the owner of Greens and Deli in Tuxford, to Parliament as part of this year’s MP Heroes awards, celebrating female entrepreneurship across the UK.

Linsey’s deli is one of my favourite places to pop into — especially after or at the start of a long day campaigning. And her hard work and passion exemplify the spirit of our local businesses and entrepreneurs.

There’s always something new to explore. I was delighted to see Porter’s in Newark marketplace reopen and I will be popping in for my Christmas supplies.

I will always champion small businesses like Linsey’s in Parliament. This week, I voted against this disastrous government’s tax rises, including increases to national insurance, which would make life significantly harder for small businesses, trying to employ people.

Westminster has consistently neglected rural and small-town communities like ours for generations and this government is no different, probably worse than prior ones I remember — their preference is for metropolitan interests that threaten the fabric of areas like Newark.

My politics is rooted here and I try to represent the concerns of our area and what SW1 would dismiss as provincial Britain everyday in Parliament.

But here in Newark, we stick together. By shopping local, we can push back against these pressures and show our local workers and businesses that we care, helping to ensure our high streets, market towns, and villages thrive.

Thank you for all you do to make Newark such a wonderful place. And as ever, whether a local business matter or an individual request, if I can help in any way ahead of Christmas and the New Year, please do not hesitate to reach out to me and my office at Robert.jenrick.mp@parliament.uk.