On Saturday 6th December we celebrated Small Business Saturday, a day to celebrate the small businesses that provide jobs and are the lifeblood of our community. There are 3455 small and medium businesses across the Colne Valley Constituency – from pubs to cafés, corner shops to start-ups.

On Friday the 5th, world-renowned Jack Reacher author Lee Child joined Paul Davies MP in Holmfirth to show support for local traders. Together, they visited Read Bookshop, Nellie’s Keepsake Co, Ashten & Mason Breadquarters, The Huntsman, and many more, meeting the people who make our high streets vibrant and unique.

But the celebration doesn’t stop in Holmfirth—our villages are full of fantastic independents worth exploring such as:

Marsden

• Crumb & Brew – A cosy café serving homemade cakes and specialty coffee.
• The Riverhead Brewery Tap – Famous for craft ales brewed on-site.
• Old Gate Bar & Restaurant – A local favourite for hearty meals.

Slaithwaite

• Otso Clothing – Sustainable fashion designed and printed locally.
• Green Valley Grocer – A community-owned shop championing local produce.
• Anello Pizza – Authentic wood-fired pizzas in the heart of the village.

Meltham

• Lu’s Place – A stylish café with a unique animal-inspired theme.
• Sugar Plum – A traditional sweet shop packed with nostalgic treats.

This Government is acting to back our small businesses:

A plan to pass the toughest laws against late payments in the G7.

• Slashing energy bills for businesses by building clean power.
• Investment through the British Business Bank, with over £25bn of spending power.
• Fully funding apprenticeships in SMEs for under-25s.
• Cracking down on fraud on our high streets, so the best small businesses can thrive on a level playing field
• Raising the rate at which small businesses start to pay national insurance.

This Small Business Saturday, let’s celebrate the incredible entrepreneurs who keep our towns and villages thriving. Shop local, support local, and help our community grow stronger.

Paul Davies MP for Colne Valley constituency said:

“We have 3455 SMEs in the constituency. They provide vital jobs, but they are also community institutions we can all be proud of. A pint in the Shoulder and Mutton, a coffee from Wired in Honley a gift from Nellies Keepsake Co.

“That is why, this Small Business Weekend, I have been visiting local small businesses to hear their concerns and how Labour can help them to thrive. From investing billions in small businesses through the British Business Bank, to funding apprenticeships in SMEs, to cracking down on fraud on our High Streets, we are backing our small businesses where the last Government let them down.

“This is how we get our economy growing and create good jobs. It is also how we make our communities more prosperous.”

Lee Child said:

“Small businesses are the heartbeat of our communities. They give our towns character, create jobs, and keep local life thriving. Supporting them is good economics. I’m proud to stand with Paul Davies MP and celebrate the incredible independents across the Colne Valley this Small Business Saturday.

I really enjoyed visiting Holmfirth today with Paul Davies MP, stopping at Read Bookshop, Nellie’s Keepsake Co, Ashten & Mason Breadquarters, The Huntsman, and many more, meeting the people who make our high streets vibrant and unique. These independents make the Colne Valley special, and I’m proud to celebrate them this Small Business Saturday.”