Sarah Newton, the Conservative MP for Truro and Falmouth, joined local entrepreneurs Tim and Ben Hawkins at a House of Commons event on Tuesday, highlighting the success of small businesses and how they could expand with additional support from banks.

Sarah attended the launch of a new report called ‘SMEs and UK Growth: the opportunity for regional economies’, commissioned by Santander.

Sarah said: “I’m keen to listen to all ideas to support businesses and give them the tools they need to further boost the economy and create jobs in Truro, Falmouth and beyond.

“The government has an excellent record in supporting SMEs and creating jobs, thanks to measures like cutting corporation tax, introducing the modern industrial strategy, making it easier to access finance or take on an apprentice and reducing business rates for small retailers in the recent Budget.

“There are 1.2 million more small businesses today than there were in 2010 and employment is at record levels.

The report found that improving competition in the SME banking market and helping small businesses to access credit could create 157,000 extra jobs and add £23billion annually to the UK economy by 2023.

The report also found that, if the changes took effect, there would be a significant rebalancing of UK growth and employment from the south east to regions like the south west.

Tim and Ben discussed their experience of running and growing Da Bara Limited, which has a bakery in Grampound Road and a café in Ruan High Lanes, on the Roseland Peninsula.

Sarah added: “SMEs like Da Bara are the lifeblood of our communities and it was great to meet Tim and Ben and hear their success story. I can definitely recommend the cinnamon swirls they make at the bakery!”

This Saturday is Small Business Saturday and Sarah is urging local people to support the campaign.

She added: “There are so many fantastic small businesses in the constituency, employing thousands of local people and serving our communities in all sorts of ways.

“Please show your support by shopping local this Saturday, whether in stores, in offices or online, and play your part in the ongoing success of our small businesses.”