Prime Minister Andy Burnham will meet small business owners in Devon on Friday as part of a summer listening tour designed to inform government policy on local growth, jobs and regulation.
Direct outreach to the 'beating heart' of communities
The visit underscores Labour’s effort to build what Mr Burnham described as a “fresh partnership between Government and business”, with a particular focus on hospitality and other community‑facing firms. The Prime Minister used the language of backing small firms and highlighted steps his administration has already taken to ease pressure on pubs, clubs and live music venues.
“Local businesses are the beating heart of our communities, bringing life to the places we call home,”
That statement, provided ahead of the Devon visit, accompanies actions taken since Mr Burnham entered office, most notably a targeted reduction in business rates for certain hospitality venues.
Policy moves on rates and VAT on the horizon
Among the measures introduced earlier in the term was a 20% business rates relief for pubs and similar venues — a policy Mr Burnham has flagged as the opening of a wider agenda. He has indicated an intention to consider more extensive relief at the next fiscal event, the Budget on 28 October, and suggested further tax changes could follow.
In broadcast comments referenced by his team, Mr Burnham said: “We are helping pubs, social clubs and live music venues by cutting their business rates, but I’ve always said there is more to do. I’m listening to small business owners so we can work together to deliver jobs and growth in every postcode.”
Industry reaction and the employment angle
Industry bodies have welcomed the outreach. Allen Simpson, chief executive of UKHospitality, told reporters the sector could play a significant role in addressing youth unemployment and that meeting firms on the ground was a constructive start.
His organisation said it was pleased to see the Prime Minister engage with coastal and rural hospitality operations, noting the sector’s role in local job creation and the need for continued policy attention to sustain growth.
- Focus sectors: pubs, clubs, live music venues, hotels, cafes and restaurants;
- Key measure already enacted: 20% business rates relief for certain hospitality venues;
- Next fiscal milestone: Budget on 28 October, where further relief or tax changes may be announced.
What the tour means for business confidence
At a practical level, the tour is aimed at signalling responsiveness: ministers often use ground visits to test policy ideas and refine delivery before committing to national programmes. For small firms still navigating tighter margins and labour shortages, the promise of a government ready to listen can be as important as any specific support package.
However, the trip also places expectations on the administration to convert listening into concrete commitments. The hospitality sector wants clarity not only on near‑term tax relief but also on measures that affect recruitment, training and long‑term investment in towns and rural communities.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Current relief | 20% business rates cut for pubs and similar venues |
| Planned engagement | Prime Minister's small business listening tour in Devon |
| Next fiscal decision | Budget on 28 October |
For ministers, the challenge will be balancing targeted support for visible local employers with wider fiscal constraints. For business leaders, the asking is straightforward: translate engagement into policy changes that reduce operating costs and make hiring and investing easier. The Devon visits will be judged on whether they bring clarity on both fronts.
Expect further visits and more detailed policy signals in the run‑up to the autumn Budget as Labour seeks to demonstrate it is both attentive to grassroots business needs and able to act on them.
