The borough’s small business champion Cllr Ernest Ambe on supporting the local economy

Small Business Saturday, celebrated today, is a reminder that small businesses are the backbone of our local economy. They create jobs, nurture talent and bring vitality to every part of our borough. When small businesses succeed, Barnet succeeds.

Across Barnet from North Finchley, Chipping Barnet and Edgware to Mill Hill, Burnt Oak, Finchley Central, Colindale and Hendon, our high streets reflect the resilience and creativity of the people who run those businesses. Independent cafés, family shops, specialist traders, creative organisations, tech start-ups and professional services all contribute to the rich social and economic tapestry of our community.

One of Barnet’s great strengths is the diversity of its entrepreneurs. Many are longstanding local families; others are first or second generation business owners bringing global experience and fresh perspectives. We also see young innovators emerging from our schools and Middlesex University, as well as residents embarking on new ventures in later stages of life. This diversity drives innovation and makes our high streets vibrant and adaptable.

Supporting this entrepreneurial ecosystem requires genuine partnership. Through initiatives such as our business breakfasts, Barnet Council brings small business owners together to share insights, voice concerns and access practical support. Our collaboration with Middlesex University provides invaluable expertise in enterprise, innovation and skills development, strengthening the borough’s start-up landscape.

I was particularly impressed by the Middlesex Dragon event, supported by the council, which showcased the bold ideas of emerging local entrepreneurs. The awarding of grants to successful start-ups highlighted just how much can be achieved when academic institutions, local government and business talent work together to champion innovation.

Equally, Barnet’s fast growing creative and cultural sectors play a crucial role in our local economy. The ArtsDepot in North Finchley continues to be one of the borough’s most important cultural hubs supporting artists, hosting creative enterprise programmes and nurturing small creative businesses.

From performance groups and designers to digital creators and craft studios, Barnet is home to a growing network of creative studios that bring energy, identity and economic value to our neighbourhoods. Their contribution is often quieter but deeply impactful, enriching our community life and attracting footfall to our high streets.

Yet we know that small businesses face significant challenges. Rising operational costs, changing consumer habits and competition from online retail all create pressure, even for well-established businesses. Access to affordable premises and skilled staff remains a concern. And one issue raised again and again across Barnet is business rates. Many traders feel that the longstanding current system places too heavy a burden on small high street businesses.

The government’s reduction in business rates for those properties with rateable values of below £500,000, due for May 2026, should boost many of Barnet’s smaller businesses. Expansion will also be supported, with businesses able to keep their Small Business Rates Relief on their first property for three years after they take on a second property, instead of just one year.

Barnet Council’s economic development framework for 2025-30 has been launched to attract investment, support business growth and expand employment opportunities for residents.

The determination of Barnet’s small business community is extraordinary. Their adaptability and creativity whether through digital innovation, new offerings or community engagement have kept our town centres strong and forward-looking.

Small Business Saturday is an opportunity for all of us to recognise and support that effort. Every purchase from a Burnt Oak bakery to a Mill Hill boutique, a Hendon restaurant to a North Finchley craft shop helps sustain local jobs, strengthen our high streets and keep money circulating within Barnet.

Today is a perfect moment to discover new local favourites and meet the people who give our neighbourhoods their character but the real impact comes when we choose to support small businesses every day of the year.

Barnet’s small businesses embody resilience, creativity and community spirit. This Small Business Saturday let’s reaffirm our commitment to helping them flourish – today, tomorrow and long into the future.

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