Small businesses are the beating heart of our economy and ensuring their prosperity is a critical element of the growth that our country so badly needs.
Shirley and Mark Wardle own and run Studio Pilates© West Malling - a brilliant and thriving business servicing West Malling and surrounding villages. They reached out to me to share their experiences and concerns as local employers and entrepreneurs.
Their converted oast has been stunningly refitted as a truly top-class facility that delivers transformative 40-minute Reformer Workouts, suitable for all ages and fitness levels. They have invested a very significant amount of their own money in this enterprise and have generated some 4,500 clients since opening two years ago.
An important part of their philosophy and business model is that they are integrated into the community, where there is mutual and reciprocal support with other local businesses. Together they are much stronger and more effective than isolated individual enterprises.
Like many business owners, Shirley and Mark have felt the impact of rising energy costs, with their daily ‘standing’ electricity charge increasing by a staggering 58%. This unacceptable increase is directly linked to government decisions to impose obligations on electricity suppliers to comply with greener regulations as part of the 2030 Clean Power Target.
There have been increases in business rates and despite promises from Labour to replace business rates with a “fairer system”, they have instead introduced changes which are leaving small businesses paying more through the phasing out of temporary reliefs and support measures.
The higher employers National Insurance contributions for their 10 members of staff adds yet another negative burden, eroding profits and preventing growth, meaning fewer jobs and less taxes for public services.
Shirley and Mark’s strengths in customer care, quality and sheer determination will assure their success I have no doubt, but I will do all I can to keep pressure on the government to provide financial and administrative relief for small business owners.
Whether you’re a busy parent, work a 9-5, or love breaking up the day with a lunchtime workout, Studio Pilates© West Malling have classes running from early mornings through evenings to seamlessly suit your schedule.
They also have a free Open Day scheduled for Saturday 2nd May 2026, to coincide with World Pilates Day. Click here to register: https://lnkd.in/e6WAHS3y
I will soon be joining Shirley for an orientation work-out because, although I play a lot of tennis and I am pretty fit, Pilates gives you additional benefits: joint resilience, spinal mobility, balance symmetry and injury prevention. Maybe I’ll see you there!
https://lnkd.in/eAervS67
First Floor, Mill Court Oast, 81 Mill Street, East Malling, West Malling, Kent ME19 6BU.
Mobile: +44 7519 560555
Please see my video from my visit here:
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1AjRX5CYQH/
