Facebook has quickly become one of the mainstream methods of communication for people across the world. The UK itself has 34 million active users. As a PPS, I was lucky enough to be invited for a personal tour of its very impressive offices which even included free pick'n'mix and cake stands and coffee shops on every floor – not what I normally see on an office tour!
To build on the Government's increasingly supportive pro-business environment, Facebook is keen to demonstrate that they are a crucial marketing tool for enterprises of all sizes, in particular start-up entrepreneurs. We have seen that many of the new 400,000 businesses created across the UK since 2010, use Facebook as the first opportunity for an online presence. I have seen this first-hand with many Swindon businesses using Facebook to successfully promote themselves, their services and attract new customers.
Originally based in sunny California, Facebook now employs 350 people in its London offices. The social media giant is just one of many high-tech businesses investing and expanding into the UK; but a challenge remains to ensure we have sufficient workers equipped with the correct tech skills if the UK is to facilitate the expansion of these businesses. That's why we have introduced significant changes to computer science in schools with a real focus on programming. We need to further work with the industry to promote the new opportunities being created and to provide mentors to visit and support schools. Locally, I am pleased to see that our fantastic Museum of Computing through its children's programmes and events continues to help play its part inspiring children.
As a local MP, I am increasingly using Facebook as a means to communicate with fellow local residents and provide updates on what I have been getting up to. I believe that it is my job to be accessible and responsive to local residents, and I'm proud to have been voted the 3rd most helpful out of 650 MPs. I now get more Facebook messages than either letters or telephone calls. It also shares my embarrassment, for example the picture of me getting soaked by children at a recent Community Fun Day was quickly shared for all to see.
With national politics social media is increasingly prominent. In the Scottish Referendum both the Yes and No campaigns have used Facebook to engage with voters, including Alex Salmond partaking in a direct Q&A online. In what seems a very close Referendum, social media could play a key part, perhaps even decisive. I hope it's the Better Together campaign who have fully utilised Facebook to make clear to the Scottish people: 'We want you to stay' – we are better United.
