If we have learnt anything from the pandemic, it is that broadband is an essential component of modern life and I have heard from many local business owners who rely on superfast broadband to keep their operations running.
In addition to the accessibility of highspeed broadband, for much of the past two years the very same business owners have also had to contend with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which is especially true for the hospitality sector.
I am therefore delighted to share some positive news from Sean White, landlord at the Queen’s Head in Pinner.
"The expansion of highspeed broadband to Pinner has come thanks to government support for this initiative. Aimed primarily at business, customers can access these grants through their provider, such as BT and Openreach.
In our case we signed up for a very competitive 3-year deal and now achieve 100mbs up and downstream. The installation was complex and took two days but was entirely free of charges supported by the government grant.
We still have 12 staff, one of whom is an apprentice, and we have accessed government funding towards her salary costs, but also the business NI costs and her training. The government initiative during the national lockdown to encourage al fresco dining enabled us at very low cost to establish an area at the front of the pub that accommodates 36 customers. This alone created one full time job on £10.50 an hour plus training and other perks.
We are submitting plans for a major extension which will create a new pizzeria in Pinner in January 2022. This will represent an investment of £220,000 and will create four new full-time jobs. I think it is important for local business to continue where they can, to believe in a good future and to invest early in that future.
I would just like to add, that David Simmonds is one of the hardest working constituency MP’s I have ever come across. He is absolutely at the ‘coal face’ when it comes to local business, he believes in creating well paid jobs with training, and his success is evident across the constituency".
I am hugely grateful to Sean and the team at the Queen’s Head for their support. If there are any local businesses who would like to share some positive news, or who would like my assistance in any way, please do get in touch with the office.
