THE Chancellor of the Exchequer has visited High Street business in Yarm with local MP Matt Vickers and has praised the work of local businesses in making people feel safe.

The Chancellor and Mr Vickers visited Strickland and Holt, Luna Blu and the Cinnamon Bay to meet the managers and owners, discussing the challenges they face and the impact of the support packages. The pair also visited the newly opened Leisure Centre in Ingleby Barwick to look at the new gym, pool, library and soft play area whilst also enjoying some ‘healthy competition’ on the spinning bikes.

The Chancellor was hosted by Stockton South MP Matt Vickers who was recently elected as chair of a cross party group looking at the future of retail. The APPG for Retail will provide a forum for parliamentarians and retail businesses to work together to support the industry, protect jobs and aid recovery during and after the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Vickers said “Yarm has some exceptional businesses and it was a great opportunity to showcase these from Strickland and Holt, one of the oldest businesses in the high street, having served the people of Yarm since 1854 to Luna Blu which only opened in September. These fantastic local businesses have shown real determination in dealing with the pandemic and the success of companies like this will be key in our economic recovery.

“Whether it’s in Thornaby, Yarm, Stockton or Ingleby Barwick it’s crucial that people shop local and support these amazing local businesses - get yourself out into your local stores and back them - they need you now more than ever.

“It’s clear that these business have greatly welcomed and appreciated the extensive and innovative package of support offered to them during the crisis and I’ll be working alongside the all party group to ensure this continues and that we get the right solution on any future digital tax and review of Business Rates”.

Mr Sunak said: “What is great to see is people back and the High Street buzzing with life again and that’s happening because all your local businesses have done such an enormous amount to make people feel safe.

"People can see the changes, and realise that it’s a new normal but they can get back to doing the things we love, go for a shop, go for a coffee and look forward to it.”