This weekend I had the opportunity to meet a number of local business people and discuss their concerns about a range of issues.
On Friday morning I spoke at a business forum in Herefordshire that encompassed a number of companies across the West Midlands. It was fascinating to do a Q&A session and hear their concerns about Brexit, labour shortages, business rates and supply chains. It is vital as Brexit negotiations move forward that we never forget the needs of British businesses.
Later in the day, I met local businesses in Droitwich, including HotelShop, who were represented by Viv Findlay. Viv has been extremely helpful in raising local concerns about the problems Droitwich companies experience trying to get insurance because of the legacy of the 2007 floods. I have subsequently written to Environment Minister Therese Coffey and Small Business Minister Kelly Tolhurst to raise these concerns.
Finally, I met representatives of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire branch of the Federation of Small Business to discuss their ongoing campaign for the self employed. I was glad to talk about different working patterns and how legislation can best cater for a thriving, diverse and flexible workforce.
I look forward to meeting many more local businesses in the near future.