I am sure you have noticed that there have been some changes on Tooting High Street. During this difficult time, businesses have suffered greatly, and many have had to close. People from every walk of life are being affected by the economy at the moment.

It makes me really sad to see this direct effect that the recession is having on my constituents, and it’s really important to me that you know what support is out there for you.

There are many useful websites out there where you can seek advice and look into training and courses. If you are having problems of any kind during this difficult time, I hope these links will help you to find the information you are looking for. Don’t forget, if the information you need is not here, give me a ring at my office on 020 7219 6967.

•    If you have been made redundant and would like some advice, try the DirectGov website by clicking here.

•    If you are having trouble with your mortgage repayments, click here.

•    If you are struggling with debts and would like some advice on managing them, click here.

•    If you are receiving a state pension, you can browse available options by clicking here.

•    If you own a business, look into how you can get help with your taxes and payments by clicking here.


Business Owners

In January this year, the Government launched a programme to help make entrepreneurs more aware of a huge support system already in place here in the UK. As a business owner, you probably feel alone sometimes. You must rely on yourself in sticky situations. However, there is a lot of support out there for you; you just have to know where to find it. That’s where I come in. As your MP, I want this information to be accessible to you, so here is a quick guide and a few links to help you through.

Business Link (LINKhttp://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/home?r.l1=5000512068&r.lc=en&site=181&r.s=m) is a company dedicated to helping small and medium businesses (SMEs). They are based in London, and have a huge range of resources and advice available. Check the website to browse the wealth of information available:

In their campaign, the Government has made it easier to find Government funded support by streamlining more than 3000 business schemes. These schemes can all be investigated and accessed through Business Link.

The government is committed to working alongside Regional Development Agencies in order to localise the help available. This means that if you consult the London Development Agency (LINK http://www.lda.gov.uk/server.php?show=ConWebDoc.2875 ) , they should be extremely well-equipped to help you with problems specialised to London or even Tooting.

As the Government is also dedicated to investing in people and skills, their Train to Gain (LINK www.traintogain.gov.uk ) scheme is up and running and is extremely successful. By getting involved in a project like this one, you will not only be helping out the community by training people with the skills they need to have a fruitful career, but you will ultimately have the time and money to really invest your time and efforts into making sure you have the best staff, to make your business grow from strength to strength.

As always, I am happy to answer any questions you may have regarding these schemes and projects. I hope, if you were worried about your business, that this page helps you a great deal. If you do have any further questions or queries, please do not hesitate to call me on 020 7219 6967

Alternatively, you can make an appointment to see me at one of my surgeries, or pop along to one of my drop-ins. Whatever your queries are, I’ll do my best to find a solution.