For this year’s Small Business Saturday, Oliver has visited Hownd, an award winning business in Borehamwood who specialise in making cruelty free dog grooming supplies.

Mr Dowden met with the founders, Mark Hirschel and Jo Amit, at their head office to hear more about their work and their products.

Speaking afterwards, he said: ‘It was great to visit Hownd last week. They are a fantastic small business here in Borehamwood, making high quality, ethically sourced products.

‘I was impressive to hear how they’ve built their company over the past few years and are now growing and exporting around the world. We also discussed the ongoing campaign against cruel puppy farming following the Government’s backing of Lucy’s Law earlier this year.

‘I wish Hownd the best of luck for their next ventures and will continue to work to support them as their local Member of Parliament.

‘Finally, it was an extra pleasure to meet the office’s four legged assistants, Lara and Roxy!’

Small Business Saturday is a campaign designed to support and promote Britain’s 5.6 million small businesses. Lucy’s Law is new legislation which bans the selling of puppies and kittens by pet shops and traders

Mr Dowden also announced measures in his role as a Minister in the Cabinet Office to tackle late payments to small businesses by larger companies. He added: Mr Dowden said: ‘Companies providing crucial services to the public sector, like supporting prisons and delivering road infrastructure projects, must be paid on time.

‘Paying invoices promptly is vital in providing healthy cash flow, particularly for smaller businesses who are the backbone of the UK economy, to help them survive and thrive.’