A thriving Guildford and our villages was at the heart of Zöe’s election campaign. Since becoming MP, she has worked hard to support local businesses and turn that ambition into a reality.
A thriving Guildford and its surrounding villages was at the heart of Zöe’s election campaign. We are fortunate to have vibrant high streets, excellent local businesses, an advanced research park supporting high-tech industries, and Guildford’s reputation as the “Hollywood” of the video games industry - but more can be done to help them succeed.
Since becoming MP, Zöe has worked closely with the local business community to turn that ambition into reality. Through regular meetings, business breakfasts, and engagement with the Chamber of Commerce, developers, and small business owners across the constituency, she has heard first-hand about the challenges they face. Issues including including business rates, rising Employer National Insurance contributions, difficulties trading with the EU, and the pressure of high commercial rents are all hampering local business and constraining growth.
Zöe is working hard to support local businesses and ensure Guildford remains a vibrant place to live, work, and invest.
You can read more about her work to support local businesses below.
The Post Office has now confirmed that the Burpham branch is scheduled to close on 22 August 2026 following Morrisons’ decision to close the store that it is located within.
On Friday, I hosted a constituency business briefing at The Lighthouse in Guildford, bringing together business leaders from across the area for a working breakfast.
Shocking findings from a review into youth unemployment were published last week showing that over a million young people are not in education, employment or training.
This week in Parliament, I raised concerns with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero about the impact of high energy costs on local businesses.
At the Liberal Democrat Party Conference earlier last week, I was delighted that my amendment to the Lib Dems new policy on the space sector was passed.
Chancellor's Spring Statement leaves Guildford constituency MP Zöe Franklin "fearful" for vulnerable people and local businesses.