Owner of recording studio meets Chancellor

A local business owner met with constituency MP Josh Dean and Chancellor Rachel Reeves at a reception for small and medium sized businesses in the East and Southeast of England.

The Downing Street event was an opportunity for Billy Hills from Apollo Audio in Mimram Road to share his views directly with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, as she prepares to deliver the Budget later this month.

Josh Dean, Member of Parliament for Hertford and Stortford, said: "It was fantastic to welcome Billy to Number 11 Downing Street to share his experience of running a small business in our community with the Chancellor. Apollo Audio is a hub for music and creativity across our area, contributing to our culture, nurturing young talent and offering opportunities for self-employed professionals."

"Businesses like Apollo Audio drive our local economy and it’s important to me that the voices of our SMEs are heard here in Westminster. I was really pleased to introduce Billy to the Chancellor so that he could share his insights directly as she prepares to deliver this Autumn’s Budget."

Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said: "We are a pro-businesses Government, and we know that SMEs are the beating heart of high streets, industrial estates and local economies across the country. That's why we’re reforming business rates, have secured trade deals with the US, EU and India to boost exports of whisky, gin and other British products, and have seen interest rates cut five times since the election, benefitting businesses in every part of Britain."

Billy Hill, owner of Apollo Audio, said: "It was a great experience to be invited by Josh to visit No. 11, and to bring our perspective directly to the Chancellor to discuss the realities of running a creative business. Josh has always been a great supporter for what we do, and he’s visited our studio to see firsthand the work we do with young people, so I’m thankful that he thought of us and invited us to join him. It was brilliant to represent the creative sector and showcase Apollo Audio’s role in supporting our community."