Over fifty local businesses were able to question MPs, an MEP, Councillors and the Chairman of the Local Enterprise Partnership at a meeting in Letchworth Garden City. The Breakfast Meeting was held jointly by Biz4Biz and Oliver Heald’s Business Club, and the Panel was made up of local MPs Oliver Heald and Stephen McPartland, MEP Vicky Ford (who sits on the European Parliament’s Economic Committee), Deputy Leader of Hertfordshire County Council, Councillor David Lloyd and the Local Enterprise Partnership Chairman John Gourd, Director of Johnson Matthey PLC and the event was chaired by Adrian Hawkins, Chief Executive Officer of Weldability/Sif.
Questions ranged widely with a strong push from local business for widening of the A1(M) between Welwyn and Stevenage, representation for small business on the Local Enterprise Partnership, improved skills education in IT and engineering and a range of business issues. Vicky Ford was also able to answer questions about the current economic crisis in the Eurozone. Local businesses were also interested in Oliver’s questions to Government about speed of payment of invoices by Government Departments to small and medium sized enterprises, the details of which can be found on Oliver Heald’s website.
Commenting, Oliver Heald said, “This was a good opportunity for local business to ask questions and press for action from all levels of Government. It was also excellent that District Councillor Lynda Needham, Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation Chairman John Lewis and representatives of North Hertfordshire College were able to attend the event.
Stephen McPartland, the Member of Parliament for Stevenage added, “I always enjoy talking to local businesses and there was a great atmosphere. The range of questions raised illustrated the areas local businesses want all levels of government to concentrate on and certainly complemented the many visits and conversations I have with employers in Stevenage”.
Vicky Ford MEP commented, “It was very helpful to meet up with local businesses to discuss the impact of the current economic situation, and how issues overseas are affecting companies here in Hertfordshire.
“I feel that it is important that we as MEPs work with MPs, Councillors and local businesses to share ideas and ensure a joined up approach to the challenges on the ground.”
The photo shows left to right, Adrian Hawkins, Stephen McPartland MP, County Councillor David Lloyd, Vicky Ford MEP, John Gourd and Oliver Heald MP.