Liberal Democrat business spokesperson Sarah Olney MP has visited Crickhowell to meet local business owners and discuss the pressures facing rural high streets.

She was joined by local MP David Chadwick, Liberal Democrat councillors Claire Hall and Chloe Masefield, and Dean Christie, founder of the Corn Exchange.

The group met a number of independent traders in the town, including the Black Mountains Smokery, Bookish, Natural Weigh, The Emporium, Crickhowell Bakery, Treebeards Craft Beer and Webbs of Crickhowell.

Crickhowell is known for having a high street with many independent businesses, which traders say reflects strong local support and community resilience.

However, business owners also raised concerns about rising costs, including increases in business rates, higher energy prices, and the ongoing impact of Brexit on trade.

The visit comes ahead of the Senedd election, with the Welsh Liberal Democrats setting out proposals they say would support small businesses and high streets.

These include extending rate relief, freezing the business rates multiplier for struggling firms, and investing in town centres.

Sarah Olney MP said: “Crickhowell shows what is possible when local businesses are supported and communities come together. A high street with no empty shops is something many towns can only dream of, and it is a testament to the hard work and resilience of local business owners here.

“But I also heard clearly the pressures they are under. Rising business rates and increased costs are making it harder to keep going, let alone grow. If we want places like Crickhowell to thrive, we need to back small businesses with fairer taxes, better access to markets and a proper plan for rural growth.”

David Chadwick MP said: “Our local businesses are the backbone of communities like Crickhowell, and this town is a shining example of what a thriving high street can look like. It was fantastic to show Sarah just how strong our local economy is and what can be achieved when independent businesses are supported.

“Crickhowell’s success story proves that rural towns can flourish, creating jobs, attracting visitors and building real community pride. The Welsh Liberal Democrats want to build on that success, backing businesses, cutting unfair costs and ensuring more towns across Wales can thrive in the same way.”