20/08/10 - Swindon Advertiser Weekly Article

Two landmark dates this week have highlighted, in very different ways, the vital importance of small and medium-sized businesses to our economy. Having owned a small business in North Swindon myself for the past ten years, it’s something I’m passionate about. Wednesday marked the 100th day of the coalition government, a chance to look back at how well we’re steering the economy. Then Thursday saw the A-level results come out, a key event for thousands of young people in deciding their future career paths.

The hundredth day was a chance to pause, just for a moment, and reflect on what’s been achieved since May. Our number one priority was fixing the economy and making Britain more business-friendly again. We had to take quick action to cut the deficit. This was essential because failure to do so would have seen interest rates rocket and hammered small businesses. That would be a double-whammy – they’d be hit directly with more expensive business loans, and indirectly as customers faced with costlier mortgages squeezed their spending. The net effect would be to wreck our fragile local economy, so it was vital we got it right. That’s why I was delighted to read in yesterday’s Adver that GWE Business West in Swindon thinks we’re doing pretty well, saying, “There have been excellent results in some areas”. There’s a long way to go of course, but we’re getting there.

Then, yesterday’s A-level results re-opened the debate about our future economy and the pressure on graduate jobs. As well as university, it’s important that we provide vocational training for young people as well. I know as a small business owner how difficult it is to navigate through the red tape if you want to employ an apprentice – not to mention the expense. I was delighted to attend the launch in Swindon recently of Plan 500 – an initiative supported by Nationwide to encourage apprenticeships and show small businesses how to do it. Apprenticeships give a greater chance of employment and equip young people with real-life work skills. Having spoken to many local businesses, it’s clear this is welcome news. I will continue to support apprenticeships as much as I can.

I’m spending as much of the Parliamentary recess as possible visiting many different local companies and organisations. I’m taking the opportunity to listen to their concerns and suggestions. I’ll take them back with me when I return to Westminster, where I’ll be continuing my work on two All-Party Parliamentary Groups – one focusing on small shops, and the other on the retail economy in general. I’m also getting involved in many financial and banking-related issues, all of which helps me to champion the vital cause of small businesses in Swindon.