Closure of Gould’s Butchers in Martock

That this House recognises the long and valued history of Gould’s Butchers in Martock, a family run business established in 1909, when coal merchant, William Culiford, began selling cuts of lamb during his coal rounds; notes the dedication of the Gould family across several generations, including their transition in the mid-1980s from a mobile shop service to a permanent premises following the then owner John Gould’s semi-retirement; further notes that the business was later passed on to Ian Gould, with Gould’s remaining a traditional family butchers; expresses sadness that the family have taken the decision to close due to ill health and the current economic climate after more than 115 years of operation; further recognises the importance of traditional local butchers in upholding high standards in meat preparation, traceability and its distribution, while providing employment opportunities for young people through learning valuable butchery skills; and calls for a fair deal for small businesses through a reversal of the employers' National Insurance Contributions rise, more support with their energy costs and a complete overhaul of the unfair business rates system to ensure that small businesses, which are the backbone of the rural economy, remain viable and are able to thrive.