3 December 2023

Green Party co-leader visits Tavistock in support of small businesses

Carla Denyer is calling on government to offer a Small Business support package to help local firms thrive in their green transition.

Making a special trip to Tavistock on the 29^th November, the Green Party co-leader met up with local West Devon Greens and visited the community-owned Tavistock Refillery zero waste shop on Market Street.

Carla said: “I visit independent businesses and social enterprises all around the South-West and so many tell me that they want to make a success of becoming more sustainable. The Tavistock Refillery is a shining example of this. But shops like this need government to get behind them and offer the right support.”

“We need a competitively fair transition to net zero that helps rather than hinders the small and independent businesses that bring so much benefit to our local community. That’s why we’re calling for government to act and help small businesses thrive in their green transition.  

“The Green Party has long been the party of small business. They are at the heart of our community and we want to see them thrive.” 

Sally Dickson, Director of Tavistock Refillery said: “Starting from a Crowdfunding venture, our community owned shop and community hub is going from strength to strength. It shows a genuine demand for sustainable and zero waste shopping. Many individuals are doing their best but what we need is a government that will really take climate and sustainability issues seriously.”

To help small businesses like the Tavistock Refillery, The Green Party are calling for: 

1. An additional £3 billion in Green Transition Grants for small businesses to help them take advantage of the opportunities offered by greening the economy. 
2. Help for small businesses to decarbonise their transport needs with access to electric vans and other low carbon transport solutions on the same terms as large companies.
3. Support for small businesses to improve employee wellbeing. For instance, exempting all childcare providers in England from business rates.
4. Reform of VAT to support small businesses and suspension of Covid repayments.

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