ON Small Business Saturday, Catherine Fookes, Labour candidate for the 2016 Welsh Assembly elections visited businesses in Monmouth.

“We need to identify the issues facing local businesses and reflect their needs in our economic policies”, explained Catherine.

“These businesses need our support to generate the economic growth and to provide much needed jobs, especially for the young.”

During her visit, Catherine met Chris Ryde, Director and General Manager of the Monmouth Savoy Theatre. The theatre was first granted an entertainment licence in 1832 and occupies the oldest known theatre site in Wales. Catherine toured the building and spoke to Chris about the challenges facing a business like the Savoy.

Catherine said: “I’ve visited the Savoy many times as an audience member but hadn’t realised how much work goes into ensuring that people can see newly released box office hits. I was fascinated to see behind the scenes and learn how the theatre has benefitted from the Welsh Government’s Jobs Growth Wales scheme.”

Chris explained that the theatre plays host to a number of top-rate entertainers as well as local amateur companies.

“There’s no doubt that the regeneration of the Savoy has benefitted local traders and we are very much an entertainment hub.”

He went on to describe how the Savoy uses local businesses for services. “Alison Morgan at Alicat Design does all our print and design work and we get our ice-cream from Kelsmor Dairy just up the road in Garway Common. It all helps to keep the local economy going.”

Catherine also visited greengrocer Munday and Jones where she ran through her local business survey with Phil Munday. The main challenge for his business is getting people off the internet and into his shop.

Phil said: “If we’re not careful only the big chains will be left in our high streets. That would result in a lack of choice and lack of vibrancy in our towns.”

Catherine said: “I had a fascinating Small Business Saturday and will do all I can during the campaign and if elected to highlight the issues facing businesses. I’m urging all local people to remember to shop on the high street this Christmas. I want all local businesses to complete our survey so I can better understand their needs.”

Anyone running a small business can find Catherine’s survey, which aims to capture the views of small businesses as part of Small Business Saturday, can complete the survey by visiting www.surveymonkey.com/r/66RV5R3