This year, I was appointed a Labour Business Champion for the technology sector, due to my previous experience before becoming an MP. Through this role, I’ll be looking to understand more about the first-hand experiences of businesses including current challenges and policy suggestions.
Having productive conversations with the doers on the ground is one of my favourite aspects of being an MP, so it was great to host a roundtable in Preston this April.
I welcomed businesses from across the technology sector to discuss the current challenges and opportunities faced by businesses today.
We talked about:
- Making it easier for SMEs to enter government supply chains, by simplifying procurement processes and putting more emphasis on British companies.
- How we need dedicated Inward Investment resource for Lancashire (to encourage more investment in the area).
- How the government’s proposed £1bn investment in helping people back into work could best be used to get the most for both employers and employees.
- How as business owners people have balanced caring responsibilities throughout their time running companies.
- How businesses could be supported by clear long-term visions for industry in this country (exactly what these roundtables are designed to influence!).
Since the roundtable, me and my team have fed back the key takeaways to the Party and I look forward to having lots more constructive meetings with businesses in the North West and beyond.
