Ipswich retailer 'honoured' to share small business concerns with Chancellor at No11

Why it matters: Mark Hubert, who is also an Ipswich Central board member, had the opportunity to speak directly to the Chancellor as she prepares to deliver the Budget later this autumn.

The details: The reception on Monday, 10 November, brought together small and medium-sized enterprise owners from across the country to discuss the needs of local businesses ahead of the Budget.

Mr Hubert attended as both the owner of James St Peter's and as a representative of the Ipswich Independents Group, a collective of local businesses, including Ipswich.co.uk, working to strengthen the town's independent sector.

What they're saying: Mr Hubert said he was "honoured to have been invited to No. 11 Downing Street on Monday for a reception with the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves."

"It was encouraging to hear an emphasis on small and medium-sized businesses, and an acknowledgment of the vital role that independents play in driving growth, innovation and community life."

He added: "I would be interested to hear what policies or changes others feel would make the greatest difference for SMEs across the country."

At the event, Chancellor Rachel Reeves described Labour as a "a pro-business government," and said the party "know that SMEs are the beating heart of high streets, industrial estates and local economies across the country."

Her comments come just two weeks before her Autumn Budget, where she is widely tipped to break Labour's manifesto pledge not to increase income tax, National Insurance or VAT for "working people".

The bottom line: An Ipswich business leader has taken the concerns of local independent businesses directly to the highest levels of government, with practical discussions on supporting SMEs set to continue in the coming weeks.