Backing Bath’s Local Businesses with Wera Hobhouse

“Rest assured, my support for local businesses is unwavering and I will fight to make sure that it is not hard-working families and local businesses who foot the bill for the Conservatives’ chaos.”^¹

Wera has long valued the contribution of local businesses. With Bath’s vibrant high streets, thriving independent shops, and grassroots music venues, she recognises that local enterprises are the backbone of the city’s economy and community spirit.

Her advocacy has included pressing for fair economic policies, meeting directly with business owners, and championing initiatives that sustain Bath’s unique character.

Speaking Up for Bath’s Businesses in Parliament

Wera believes it’s essential to listen to business owners and advocate on their behalf in Westminster.

Wine Duty

Wera Hobhouse MP with Canned Wine Co — Wera with Canned Wine Co

To mark Small Business Saturday UK 2023, Wera visited several successful small local businesses on Trim Street. One of the businesses she visited was Canned Wine Co. Founded in Bath in 2019 by Simon Rollings and Ben Franks, they showcase high quality wines from Europe in a more sustainable and accessible small format. The business has earned critical acclaim, winning both design and wine awards and has now won over 30 national and international medals.

Wera heard first-hand how upcoming changes to wine duty rules could place financial pressure on small producers and importers – at a time when many are already struggling with rising energy bills and the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Following her visit, she called on the government to review the new wine duty rules and ensure these changes don’t place unfair burdens on local wine sellers in Bath. She also asked a debate in government time to discuss the proposed reforms.

She warned that the new system would be:

“Overly complicated and incredibly burdensome.”

She also shared the concerns of Simon Rollings, CEO and Founder of the company, who said the revised rates would put strain on the business and limit its ability to operate efficiently.

From February 1 2025, the new rules came into effect. They have increased duty on stronger alcoholic drinks, including wine. Wines above 1.2% alcohol by volume (ABV) are now taxed at higher rates based on their strength.²

For example:

A wine with 8.4% ABV is now charged £25.67 per litre of pure alcohol
A wine with 13% ABV is now charged £29.54 per litre of pure alcohol

The government previously introduced a temporary pause on these rates for wine. Under this arrangement:

Wines with an ABV between 11.5% and 14.5% were treated as if they were 12.5% ABV
This gave producers time to adjust to the new system

However, this temporary relief ended on 31 January 2025³ . Wines are now taxed according to their actual strength, potentially increasing costs for producers and sellers.

“I am so proud of these amazing local businesses. For the employment they provide, the vibrancy they bring to our city, and their community spirit. I urge Bathonians to support all of our wonderful small and independent shops and companies, not just on Small Business Saturday but all year round.”⁴

Tackling Unfair Tax Hikes

“Increasing employer National Insurance risks disaster for our high streets. We know that the Conservatives have left behind a dismal economic legacy that urgently needs addressing – but it should not be up to local business owners to clean up their mess.”⁵

Wera has consistently fought against policies that unfairly burden local businesses. The 2024 Labour Autumn Budget’s decision to raise employer’s National Insurance contributions (NICs) has been a particular focus of her criticism.

Wera Hobhouse at Boston Tea Party — Wera at Boston Tea Party

Ahead of the 2024 Autumn Budget, Wera wrote to the Chancellor, demanding an overhaul of the “broken” system and an extension of rates relief. She also urged the government to provide additional support during the winter months, as businesses grappled with the cost of living crisis.

After speaking with local small business owners and hearing their concerns, Wera has raised the issue in Parliament numerous times. In celebration of Small Business Saturday 2024 and in solidarity with small businesses affected by these tax hikes, she paid a visit to local cafe Boston Tea Party and TONIQ gym to hear first-hand how these tax hikes would impact their operations.

Arron Collins-Thomas, CEO of Toniq Gym said: “The recent budget could seriously impact small wellness businesses like ours. Rising costs are forcing us to reconsider plans to expand, hire, and increase wages. Our work promoting physical and mental wellbeing alleviates pressure on the NHS, but these new pressures threaten our ability to continue.”

Sam Roberts, CEO of Boston Tea Party, emphasised the cumulative strain on the hospitality sector: “Just as we’re recovering from the pandemic, rampant inflation and rising energy prices, we’re now facing a tax on employing people. This adds enormous costs to an already struggling sector.”

Buy Bath, Back Britain Campaign

“Buying local is so important to make sure local businesses survive, especially with Trump’s threats looming. The Farmers Market in Bath is a fantastic opportunity to buy local products from all around Bath every Saturday. Sellers seriously care about the quality of their produce and about their customers – shopping local is a win-win for our communities, farmers and economy.”⁶

In response to growing economic pressures and new international trade barriers, Wera launched the Buy Bath, Back Britain campaign – a rallying call to support local producers, independent shops, and Bath’s vibrant high street.

From visiting the Bath Farmers’ Market to backing grassroots growers like the Bath Organic Group, Wera is encouraging everyone to shop local and back British-made goods.

This campaign highlights the importance of keeping money in the local economy, protecting jobs, and strengthening community resilience in the face of global uncertainty.

Bringing a Taste of Bath to Parliament

“Bath is fortunate to have a thriving local food scene that is second to none. From award-winning beers to freshly baked bread, cheeses, and traditional delicacies, the quality of our produce is simply outstanding.”⁷

In April 2025, Wera brought the very best of Bath’s food and drink to Westminster by hosting ‘A Taste of Bath’ – an event that showcased the city’s vibrant local producers to MPs, peers, and staff in Parliament.

The event aimed to:

Celebrate Bath’s independent food and drink businesses
Champion small producers and their contribution to the local economy
Encourage people across the UK to support local businesses

Nine local traders took part, each representing Bath’s creativity and culinary excellence. Guests were invited to sample products and meet the people behind them.

Featured local businesses included:

Bath Ales – Known for their popular ‘Gem’ amber ale
Chai Walla – Famous for their award-winning Indian street food
Landrace Bakery – A Michelin Guide listed bakery that produces artisan breads and pastries
Bath Soft Cheese Co. – Home to traditional handmade cheeses
Bath Gin Distillery – Craft spirits inspired by local ingredients
Bath Water – Selling locally sourced natural spring water
Nata & Co. – Known for their authentic Portuguese custard tarts
Sally Lunn’s – A historic bakery known for its famous Bath bunns
MAD for Cakes – Selling traditional Ukrainian honey cakes, created by Bath resident Irina Malenko – a beautiful reminder of Bath’s global community and support for Ukraine.

Wera Hobhouse with representatives from Bath Soft Cheese Co — Wera at Boston Tea Party

Wera Hobhouse with representatives from Bath Gin Distillery — Wera with representatives from Bath Gin Distillery

After the event, Wera took the vendors on a tour of the Parliamentary Estate, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and little-known facts. Meanwhile, attendees of the event were overheard calling it “the best parliamentary event they’d been to” – a true testament to the passion and flavour Bath brought to the heart of Parliament.

It was a proud moment that reminded everyone why local businesses matter – and why they need ongoing support.

Wera Hobhouse MP with representatives from the attending local businesses. (Credit: Jess Taylor, House of Commons)

“By buying local, we not only ensure the survival of our independent shops and producers, but we also contribute to our community and help create a more resilient and sustainable economy. The ‘Taste of Bath’ is a perfect example of why it’s so important to shop local and support the fantastic businesses that make our city so special.”⁸

Listening to Business Leaders

Wera believes in engaging with local business leaders to act as their voice in Parliament. She regularly meets with the Bath Business Improvement District (BID) and the Bath Chamber of Commerce, ensuring she remains informed about the issues facing local businesses.

One notable partnership is with the Bath BID on projects like the Bath Safe Bus, a mobile welfare unit launched in March 2023. Operating on Friday and Saturday nights, the Safe Bus provides first aid, psychological support, and a safe space for night-time revellers. The initiative reduces pressure on emergency services while enhancing safety in the city centre.

“I am delighted and very proud to see the launch of Bath Safe Bus. It follows on from the community conversation I convened last summer exploring how we can work in partnership to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls locally. Bath Safe Bus is concrete proof of what we can achieve when we work together to take concrete action.”⁹

Supporting Grassroots Music Venues

“Without grassroots venues, there will be no music industry. Parliamentarians must come together and show their support for these community hubs.”¹⁰

Wera is committed to supporting grassroots music venues. These spaces are integral to Bath, offering a platform for emerging artists and enriching the nightlife economy. The closure of Moles, a beloved local institution, in late 2023, underscored the challenges these venues face amid rising costs and dwindling profit margins.

As a former Chair of the Music in Education All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), Wera has consistently pressed the government for greater support.¹¹

She has spoken about the wider economic and cultural impact of music venue closures, sharing alarming figures from the Music Venue Trust¹² :

Over 120 small music venues closed permanently in 2023
4,000 jobs were lost
193,000 performance opportunities disappeared
£59 million in economic activity was lost

She called on the government to step in and provide targeted support.

Unfortunately in 2024, grassroots music venues remained under pressure¹³ :

Average profit margins were just 0.48%
43% of venues reported a loss

These numbers show just how vulnerable the sector has become.

“The government’s failure to adequately support small music venues has seen beloved venues forced to shut their doors. Our community in Bath knows this devastation all too well. I will continue to demand concrete action to keep grassroots music venues open.”¹⁴