SMALL businesses in Thurrock are being backed as part of a nationwide celebration.

Small Business Saturday, on Saturday, December 7, has been given the support of Jackie Doyle-Price, MP for Thurrock, saying: “All over Thurrock there are small businesses providing a living and jobs for so many people. The challenge of setting up your own business is always a risk.

“The costs in taxes are daunting and Governments must do their best to support those who have the courage to establish their own businesses and enable them to be the best they can be.”

Ms Doyle-Price has had a number of success stories in supporting small businesses.

She battled to get a residents discount for van and lorry users using the Dartford Crossing, which she says will ‘be a big saving to self employed people in Thurrock who work in Kent as well as Essex.

She also invited Chris Grayling, Secretary of State for Justice, to visit a number of small businesses affected by crime, after which he introduced measures to allow businesses to give victim impact statements when criminals are in court, with the impact on business reflected in any sentence.

She added: “I hope everyone will be supporting and getting involved in Small Business Saturday on 7th December.”