Small and independent businesses are the cornerstones of our local communities. I am so proud as the Mayor of Lewisham to represent a borough where our highstreets represent the diversity of our communities. To protect this diversity in Lewisham we’ve set up an annual audit of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic businesses, the first of its kind in the country. However, it has never been a more difficult time for these businesses with the rise of online shopping, tax-dodging giants and the COVID-19 pandemic. SMEs add so much to our local communities and they need our help. I’d encourage everyone to support SME4LABOUR as they are playing such a vital role in making sure the Labour Party understands and represents the small, medium and independent businesses that play key roles in our communities.
Damien Egan
Mayor of Lewisham