It has been encouraging to see life restored to our high streets with thanks to the unwavering support from residents for the businesses that form the very foundation of our local community in Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner. I am proud to represent a constituency with so much life and character on the doorstep.

Of course, I do recognise that difficulties continue for many. The footprint left by the pandemic has been great and, in addition, the rising cost of living has brought with it a new set of challenges for businesses, particularly those in the hospitality sector.
 
The Government’s unprecedented package of support throughout the pandemic provided a lifeline for many. Now, in response to the rising cost of living, further support has been announced to provide energy bill relief. As such, I was keen to catch up with hospitality businesses across the constituency for their thoughts and feedback.
 
I wrote to all hospitality businesses across Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner, inviting them to a virtual surgery. This was attended by a number of business owners, as well as local councillors representing both the Hillingdon and Harrow sides of the constituency. We had a really useful discussion about business support, as well as other national issues such as business rates and VAT, and local issues such as parking and fly tipping. These issues will be fed back to colleagues in local and national government. 
 
Thank you to the Queen’s Head (Pinner), The Woodman (Ruislip), Melisi (Ruislip), Hop and Vine (Ruislip), Fruity Fresh (Northwood), Bubbles (Northwood), Café Amici (Pinner), TAG Drinks (Eastcote), We Love Coffee (Harefield) and Councillors Eddie Lavery, Jonathan Bianco and Hitesh Karia for their time.