Speaking in support of small businesses on Small Business Saturday, Shabana Mahmood said:

“We’re incredibly lucky in Birmingham to have thriving high streets filled with small business, whether that’s traders on the Coventry Road in Bordesley Green, independents in the Jewellery Quarter, or Birmingham institutions right here on the famous Soho Road.

“These businesses are the beating heart of our economy, breathing life into our high streets, and delivering the goods and services we depend on. It’s no exaggeration to say that without them we’d be poorer – both economically and culturally.

“This Small Business Saturday I’m pledging to back our small businesses, putting their voice at the heart of the next government, and giving them the tools to thrive.