Shefford cafe owner’s business meeting with Chancellor at No11 Downing Street
The owner of Rose’s Cafe in Shefford put the Chancellor of the Exchequer ‘on the spot’ when she met Rachel Reeves at a special reception at 11 Downing Street.
Harley Rose Smith was among a group of business owners invited to a reception for SMEs from the East of England to Number 11 Downing Street last night. (November 11)
Harley said the Chancellor was ‘very nice’ and happy to speak about small businesses but remained tight-lipped about the forthcoming budget.
Harley said: “It was great to meet the Chancellor and get the opportunity to talk to her ahead of the Budget and, advocate not only on my behalf, but on behalf of all small businesses. It was very important to make an impact and for all the businesses there to put across their own stories.
"She was very interested in our story and how many employees we had and said she recognised how important small businesses were to the economy. "She’s got a very difficult job but no, she didn’t mention what was coming up in the Budget.”
She added: “It was a great privilege to be invited along to the event and really lovely to be chosen from all the local small businesses to attend.”
Rose’s, based at Duck Lane, has been established eight years, after the business moved to Shefford from Hitchin. “It’s going really well. We’re really lucky, even during these tough times, to have the support of the local community,” added Harley.
Harley was accompanied by MP Alistair Strathern, who said the reception was an opportunity to celebrate the contribution made by businesses like Rose’s to their community and the important role played by cafes like Rose’s ‘in bringing life to our high streets’.
Mr Strathern said: “I have visited Rose’s so much Harley must be sick of the sight of me, so it was only right to invite her to the Chancellor’s reception for South East small businesses.
“Businesses like Rose’s are so valuable to our local economy, employing local people and serving our community with pride.
"As well as being a great place to grab a bite to eat or a coffee, Rose's bring life to our fantastic High Street in Shefford alongside the other fantastic business which have made it their home.
“This Government knows how important SMEs are which is why it was brilliant to take the experiences and thoughts of our local businesses directly to the Chancellor ahead of the Budget this Autumn.”