A LOCAL MP met with local business owners this week to discuss how they are coping with the cost-of-living crisis.

John Healey, MP for Wentworth and Dearne, attended the event which was organised by Paula Gouldthorpe development manager, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) with the aim of providing John with further insights into the challenges small businesses are facing across Barnsley.

A range of businesses including food sales, chemists and the arts, crafts and hobbies sector took part in the discussion.

John Healey MP said: “I’d like to thank all the business that took part in the discussion, it was really useful to hear first hand about the challenges they are facing throughout the cost-of-living crisis.

“It was clear to see that local businesses are feeling the effects of the rising cost of energy bills and the price of products they need to buy to keep running.

“Small businesses do so much for our communities, providing jobs, training and driving economic growth and what they are crying out for is more support to ensure that their bills come down and the investment is there to ensure that bills stay low for good.”

Paula Gouldthorpe added: “A key objective of FSB is to give a voice to local small businesses, so it is fantastic that John was able to meet and listen to the concerns of local small businesses.

“It was a great example of how the FSB works with politicians on behalf of businesses and it was a brilliant opportunity for all concerned to understand the challenges and plans of local small business as we move through the current, and changing, economic climate”