I had the pleasure of visiting Kinsbrook Vineyard and Farmshop last week. It epitomises everything to celebrate in the start up of a new, family-owned business. Based in Thakeham, owners Joe and Becca have grown from a pop-up selling takeaways from a horsebox during lockdown to a thriving farmshop, restaurant and vineyard producing quality Sussex wines. The enterprises are diverse and sustainable.
Kinsbrook already employs a number of local people and I discussed with Joe and Becca the challenges and opportunities they are facing as a small business, and their plans to grow over time. Starting a new business is always risky, but with support from the Government and local authorities it can be rewarding for entrepreneurs and their communities. It is risk-takers who provide employment for local people and generate the prosperity that our economy needs to function. I look forward to following Kinsbrook Vineyard and Farmshop as they continue grow and encourage readers to pay them a visit.
Whilst I write this before Jeremy Hunt’s Spring Budget this week, what seems clear from previews is that the Government remains committed to protecting households who are exposed to the cost of energy which was forced up by Putin’s war in Ukraine. The Government has already put in place an unprecedented support package to support families facing rising energy-costs and the commitment to retain this support is firm. This also reduces inflation, providing the firm foundations on which confidence can be built as we grow jobs and wages.
The Chancellor also made it clear during a recent BBC interview that he aims to help reduce the cost of childcare – something which often prevents parents from taking a job when they seek to return to work. Getting those of any age who wish to work back into the workplace at a time when local employers tell me they can’t find the staff they need makes perfect sense.
