Harlow’s Member of Parliament, Robert Halfon, has celebrated Small Business Saturday 2023 by hosting a roundtable for local employers and by recognising three local firms for their commitment to Harlow and the villages.
Last week, Robert hosted a roundtable in Harlow with nine small businesses to discuss what skills local employers are looking for and how to find the best local talent. The group also discussed T Levels, apprenticeships and adult skills courses and how local businesses can benefit from upskilling and investing in their workers.
Robert also visited three businesses from across the town this morning who have been nominated by residents for their entrepreneurship, community initiatives and passion for empowering apprentices at the start of their careers.
Robert’s first Small Business Saturday visit was to L Hibbard Photography who have a studio in The Stow and are this year’s Best Business as nominated by local people. Louise is a fantastic photographer who specialises in weddings, personal photoshoots and baby shoots. Not only is Louise a great small business, but she also volunteers her skills at Princess Alexandra Hopsital’s neonatal intensive care unit.
Next Robert met with Shane from G9 Football Development who have been named the Best New Business for 2023. Launched earlier this year, Shane and G9 Football deliver team coaching on Monday evenings for people from across Harlow and offer one-to-one training sessions throughout the week. Shane has some exciting plans to develop the business over the coming year.
Robert’s final visit was to Frank and Joe’s Men’s Hair Salon in the town centre where he crowned them as the Best Business with Apprentices. Robert met Level 2 apprentice Maisy who did a fantastic job cutting his hair last week! Maisy is earning and learning whilst she climbs her way up the ladder of opportunity.
Robert is also inviting small businesses from across the area to join him on Friday 26th January 2024 at his annual Jobs and Apprenticeships Fair. For more information, please contact Robert’s office by emailing [email protected].
Commenting on Small Business Saturday 2023, Robert said, “Not only do small businesses provide jobs and vital services for Harlow residents, but they also help to build the community spirit everybody in Harlow values and enjoys.
“I was delighted to be able to recognise L Hibbard Photogrpahy, G9 Football Development and Frank and Joe’s Men’s Hair Salon as the ‘Best Business’, ‘Best New Business’, and ‘Best Business with Apprentices’. Harlow and the villages are home to so many small businesses and it is right to celebrate their contribution to the local economy and their efforts to provide products and services local people need.
“I would also like to thank Pawtastic Harlow, the Brenda Taylor School of Dance, Stort Valley Spirits, UK Salads, Raindrops Day Nursery, Safer Places, New Ground Cafe and Mayfield Farm Bakery for joining my roundtable meeting last week.
“Finally, I would like to pay tribute to all of the small businesses in Harlow and the villages who work so hard to create jobs and opportunities for Harlow people. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our local economy and of our local community and each local firm plays a very significant role in our town.”
