Help for High Streets and Local Businesses

Small businesses and high streets are the lifeblood of our community. The constituency is blessed with several vibrant high streets and countless amazing local businesses which make it an amazing place to live.

However, in recent years our brick and mortar businesses have come under pressure from different sources. Whether it’s the rise of internet shopping with large online retailers taking away trade from traditional shops, rising energy bills due to the war in Ukraine, or the long-lasting impacts of the pandemic, our high streets have a lot to contend with.

That’s why I’m determined to support local businesses and our high streets in any way that I can to make sure they continue to thrive for years to come.

What I’m campaigning on:

  • Over the last few years, we’ve lost a number of bank branches from our high streets. Having access to in-person banking is vital for businesses which deal in cash, as well as those residents who may not have access to mobile banking. That’s why I’m campaigning for a banking hub in the constituency. Find out more.
  • Much like in person banking, hairdressers and barbers play an important role in supporting our local high streets, with people often popping into other nearby shops. Recently, I looked to recognise our amazing barbers and hairdressers for the work that they do. Find out more here.
  • I’m always visiting local businesses to see the work they do and hear about how I can support them as their Member of Parliament. Get in touch with me if I can support your work.

What we’ve achieved:

  • Business rates are one of the big costs which put high street businesses at a disadvantage compared to those operating online. That’s why I was proud to support the Conservative Government’s efforts to reduce business rates for smaller companies.
  • During my time as an MP, I’ve hosted numerous Job, Skills and Apprenticeship fairs. in Hornchurch & Harold Hill. Hosting these fairs has helped local people find their next opportunity, as well as helping businesses find the right staff in a tough labour market.
  • For our high street to thrive, it’s important that we tackle crime targeted at those businesses. That’s why I’ve worked closely with retailers and the police on the ‘Clear, Hold, Build’ scheme as well as supporting tougher laws to protect those working in shops.
  • One of the main ways I can help a business as an MP is helping them understand changes in the law which may affect them. For example, in 2024 we got Conservative Party Chairman, Richard Holden MP, to do a budget briefing for local companies.
  • Following the COVID-19 pandemic, in early 2021 I worked with the Government to secure £231k from the Welcome Back Fund to help businesses and high streets bounce back after lockdown.
  • In 2020, I was successful in getting Havering Council to provide free Sunday parking, 30 minutes of free street parking, and 20% off for those using the Havering Parking App, providing an important boost to our high streets and shops. Find out more.

 

News

Julia Lopez MP Backs Famous Hornchurch Farmer in Giggly Pig Plan

Julia Lopez MP met local farmer and businesswoman, Tracy Mackness, at The Giggly Pig Co’s piggery in Hornchurch to hear about her bold plans to expand the business with a government grant. Ms Mackness achieved national fame in 2013 with the publication of her memoirs, Jail Bird : The Life and Crime

New Small Business Council and Help to Grow campaign launched

MP for Hornchurch and Upminster, Julia Lopez, has welcomed the government’s new Small Business Council and Help to Grow campaign. A new Small Business Council, chaired by the Minister for Small Business, will be established to bring together industry leaders from across the SME community.

Julia Lopez MP meets with Havering Chamber of Commerce and Industry

This afternoon, Hornchurch & Upminster MP, Julia Lopez hosted a drop-in event with the Havering Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HCCI) to speak with local businesses on the issues of importance to them. Following from Small Business Saturday over the weekend, the event was a welcome opportunit

Autumn Statement 2023

Julia Lopez MP has welcomed Autumn Statement 2023 – which includes a wide range of measures to promote growth, ensure that work pays, and continues to support households with the cost of living. The Government has met its target of halving inflation and, with global economic conditions stabilising,

Fantastic MyPlace Jobs, Apprenticeships and Skills Fair

Julia Lopez MP has welcomed the first event held at Harold Hill’s MyPlace, organised by her office in partnership with the dynamic team from the Romford Job Centre Plus. This event follows three successful events held over the last two years at Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch, and showcased numerous ap

Official opening of Upminster Windmill

Team Lopez – It was a pleasure to attend the official opening of Upminster Windmill and see how an iconic local landmark has been beautifully restored. The restoration has been overseen by the Friends of Upminster Windmill who have been successful in securing funding of £1.4 million from the Nation