Shropshire Leisure welcomes VAT decision
A large local employer is celebrating success after support from Shrewsbury and Atcham’s MP saw the government reduce the expected VAT levy on static caravans.
Salop Leisure was concerned that the proposed 20%VAT rate announced in the Chancellor’s last budget would have a detrimental effect on their business, and Chairman Tony Bywater contacted Daniel Kawczynski MP for help.
“When we heard about the proposed VAT on static caravans we were hugely concerned” explained Tony. “But we’re absolutely delighted that with Daniel’s help we’ve been able to explain to the Chancellor the implications that this would have.”
“Daniel has worked extremely hard on our behalf, lobbying government, and showing the negative effect that the planned increase would have on the manufacture of caravan holiday homes in the UK, and the subsequent impact on sales through businesses like Salop Leisure.”
“Many caravan holiday homes are manufactured here in the UK and it’s a thriving industry, with numerous other sectors such as tourism reliant upon it. I was thrilled to hear that the Chancellor had listened to our concerns and had made changes to his plans” Tony concluded.
Salop Leisure employs over 140 people across sites in Machynlleth and Stourport, with its Head Office in Emstree, Shrewsbury. To celebrate the reduction to 5% VAT recently announced by the Chancellor, Tony Bywater invited Daniel Kawczynski MP to join the Salop Leisure team at its Head Office for the prestigious launch of a brand new caravan.
“It was a real pleasure to meet Tony and his team again, and to be part of the new Atlas Leisure Homes launch. It was also heartening to hear such positive feedback from both employees and invited guests, who are all now looking ahead with real optimism” Daniel explained.
“Tony and his team are a strong local employer and a real business success story in our region, and I was determined to do all that I could to help when he first approached me as his local MP for help. By lobbying government, and speaking directly to Chancellor George Osborne, I was able to put Salop Leisure’s case to them, and I’m delighted that he took on board our concerns and made the change we were hoping for. I’m proud of my position as MP for Shrewsbury and Atcham, and I’ll always do all that I can to support my constituents” Daniel added.
