Justin Tomlinson MP with Swindon Chamber of Commerce President, Gary Mealing
Justin Tomlinson MP today spoke to a breakfast meeting of the Swindon Chamber of Commerce on issues from the forthcoming Budget to Swindon Town Centre.
The breakfast meeting was an opportunity for local businesses to network, and for Swindon MPs Justin Tomlinson and Robert Buckland to talk to the Town’s business owners and employers about what would help their businesses employ and grow.
Justin spoke about the forthcoming Budget, arguing for action on fuel duty to ease additional distribution costs for businesses, continuing to increase the income tax threshold which will take wage pressures off small employers and continuing small business rate relief. He went on to discuss youth unemployment in the town, how we can secure the future of Swindon Town Centre in light of the Mary Portas review and the value of Work Experience.
Robert Buckland MP then spoke briefly on the importance for business of improving Swindon’s rail connection to Heathrow and the opportunities to improve rail services with the franchise being up for renewal next year.
Justin took a variety of questions from the floor, including the cost of Swindon’s rail services, the impact of the possible Eastern Development on local roads, how Swindon can take advantage of the Government’s push to see the UK export more and whether university is the right route into business.
Justin Tomlinson MP said “I think it important to meet frequently with local business owners and employers to keep them informed about the opportunities and challenges presented by the national economic picture and to receive feedback from local businesses about the economic picture in Swindon.
“There was a strong degree of optimism in the room today about Swindon’s future. Swindon, with its manufacturing, services and technology industries is the sort of key town that has to grow if our economy is to grow nationally. I think it vital that we discuss local barriers and do all we can to ensure that our Town does flourish, attracting investment to produce growth and jobs.”
Justin Tomlinson MP speaks on the Budget and Swindon Town Centre