Today, 5th December, is Small Business Saturday 2020.
Small businesses across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland have had a hard time this year due to the Covid lockdowns and restrictions. Those in the hospitality trade have suffered more than most as they have been closed down entirely or severely restricted in what they are allowed to do.
Sadly, criminals have not been locked down. Crime has continued to affect smal businesses and the need for robust policing sympathetic to the needs of small businesses has never been greater. I went out and about in our area to talk to business owners about the problems they face and how the police can help keep crime down.
I firmly believe that the police must help to protect businesses from crime. It is not just the direct financial loss of what is stolen, there are also the costs of damage done to take into account and the costs of increased insurance premiums. Some small businesses never properly recover from a serious crime, and that is all the more likely after the damage done to the finances of small business by the Covid restrictions. Without businesses there is no employment and little hope for our communities. Small businesses are the beating heart of our city and two counties. They deserve our protection and support - and that of the police.
You can find out more by following these links:
Small Business Saturday - Nook Corner Cafe, Anstey
Small Business Saturday - Sheep Farm in Rutland
Small Business Saturday - Livestock Farm, Leicestershire
Small Business Saturday - Butcher's Shop, Leicestershire