Since being elected as an MP, supporting local small businesses has been a personal priority of mine. The success of small businesses is a key vehicle for boosting our local economy and restoring life back into our high streets, as well as creating new jobs and opportunities for residents across Gillingham and Rainham.

As a result, I recently hosted a set of Small Business Roundtables to discuss with local stakeholders how we can best promote their interests, communicate more effectively with our communities, and generate growth across Medway.

This report includes the key takeaways from these discussions, including some of the areas of concern for local businesses, and how we intend to work productively with business owners to build on the outcomes from each of the sessions.