Chancellor welcomes Shefford’s Roses Cafe to No 11 Downing Street

PRESS RELEASE FROM ALISTAIR STRATHERN MP

TUESDAY 11^th NOVEMBER 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alistair Strathern, MP for the Hitchin constituency, accompanied owner of Rose’s at Duck Lane Café, Harley Smith, to a reception for SMEs from the East of England last night held in Number 11 Downing Street.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, was delighted to welcome a variety of businesses from across the region into Downing Street.

The reception was an opportunity to celebrate the fantastic contribution made by businesses like Roses to their community, with Mr Strathern keen to highlight the important role played by cafes like Roses in bringing life to our high streets. 

Since being elected he has spoken up in Parliament about the importance of local high streets several occasions, and championed action to reform business rates and boost high street neighbourhood policing. 

Alistair Strathern MP said:

“I have visited Roses so much Harley must be sick of the sight of me, so it was only right to invite her to the Chancellor’s reception for South East small businesses!

“Businesses like Roses are so valuable to our local economy, employing local people and serving our community with pride.

"As well as being a great place to grab a bite to eat or a coffee, Rose's bring life to our fantastic High Street in Shefford alongside the other fantastic business which have made it their home. 

“This Government knows how important SMEs are to Hitchin and the country, which is why it was brilliant to take the experiences and thoughts of our local businesses directly to the Chancellor ahead of the Budget this Autumn.”

Rachel Reeves MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer said:

“We are a pro-business 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, benefiting businesses in every part of Britain.”

Notes for Editors

You can see pictures of Strathern and Smith with the Chancellor attached.

Rose’s is at 2-4 High Street, Shefford SG17 5DG, open Tuesday to Saturday.