News - Justin Tomlinson

Justin Addresses Local Chamber Of Commerce

May 21, 2013

Joining South Swindon colleague, Robert Buckland MP, and representatives from businesses across Swindon, Justin addressed a breakfast meeting of the local branch of the Chamber of Commerce. The breakfast was a chance for both Justin and Robert to reflect on the UK economic picture and the health of Swindon's local economy. The mood was upbeat, with businesses positive about the potential in Swindon and the general direction of the economy. Justin spoke about the 1.25 million new jobs created si...

Justin Welcomes Report Into Changing Financial Habits

May 21, 2013

MPs, debt charities and consumer groups have welcomed a new report published this week which provides insight into the way different UK households are approaching financial management in 2013. The UK short-term loans trade body, the Consumer Finance Association, launched its inaugural “Credit Crunched” report at an event for MPs at the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday 15 May and presented findings to stakeholders at an lunch time event. The report provides an in-depth look at customers, ide...

Swindon Advertiser Weekly Article - 10th May 2013

May 21, 2013

This week, the Queen came to Parliament to officially start the new Parliamentary year and to announce the different policies that the Government will pursue over the next twelve months. Despite the pomp and ceremony of the State Opening, the Queen processing through Westminster followed by her Ladies-in-Waiting, the Speech itself was unassuming. There were no billion pound giveaways, no headline grabbing policies, just simple changes that will make a difference to people’s lives. Central to m...

Justin Attends FSB Feedback Event

May 14, 2013

Justin met with leading figures from the Swindon FSB Branch to discuss key issues currently facing small businesses. The meeting was an opportunity for the local branch to feed back to Justin some of the problems and ideas that local Swindon businesses have raised. Discussion covered the recent Budget, with the Government help towards small businesses' National Insurance payments particularly welcomed. The local economy and business environment was also on the agenda, with the feedback being la...

Justin Helps Grange Infants Create Their Own Bee Friendly Garden

May 13, 2013

Justin joined Stratton's youngest residents to help them plant their very own bee friendly garden at Grange Infant School. The project, led by the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust with sponsorship from Mini BMW, aims to teach children about the importance of bees to our ecosystem and everyday life. The children made beeswax candles, tasted different types of honey and tried on special 'bee glasses' that show the world as bees see it. They then donned gloves and picked up their trowels to plant a bed of ...

Justin Opens New Clubhouse For Swindon Croquet

May 13, 2013

Justin Tomlinson MP joined Swindon Croquet Club Members and local residents at the official opening of the Club's new clubhouse. Built at the Club's home on Moredon Playing Fields, the clubhouse offer new facilities for members that the Club hope will attract more people to the game. Swindon Croquet Club has been around since 1986 and its members take part in both social and competitive croquet. Justin Tomlinson MP said "I am delighted to be at the opening of the new Clubhouse. It is a fantasti...

Swindon Advertiser Weekly Article - 3rd May 2013

May 13, 2013

Next week sees the return of The Apprentice to our screens and with it our annual dose of business dos and business don’ts, topped off with scathing commentary by Lord Sugar. I know from visiting schools and colleges in Swindon that The Apprentice does inspire our local young people to want to give business a go. They see the show as giving people that opportunity. I have written in this column about my desire to give young people in Swindon the chance to try their hand at business. Not that ...

Justin Visits Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Pool

May 07, 2013

Justin Tomlinson MP today visited the Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Pool off Wheeler Avenue to see first hand the service that the facility offers to local residents. The Pool has to raise £30-50k a year to keep the doors open, but were faced with the need to replace the Centre's ventilation system at a cost of nearly £100k. They managed to raise the money but their normal fundraising has taken a hit. The Centre offers one of the largest hydrotherapy pools in the South-West and also has a hydrother...

Justin Welcomes Swindon's Soaring Business Start-Ups

May 07, 2013

Justin at a recent FSB mentoring event for start-up businesses Justin Tomlinson MP today welcomed the good news that Swindon has seen an increased number of new businesses start up in the Town in the last 12 months. Recent research from Duport.co.uk shows there were 1392 companies registered in the area during 2012, representing a 10% rise on the previous year. Swindon also made it into the league table of the top 100 UK towns for company growth, coming in at number 47, ahead of neighbouring tow...

Swindon Advertiser Weekly Article - 26th April 2013

Apr 30, 2013

Travelling home to Swindon from Parliament on a Thursday evening and you are involuntarily entered into a contest.You can sense the tension build as the information board declares that your chosen train is 'preparing'. The crowd begins to adjust their bags, ensuring that they are balanced on shoulders in such a way as to enable a straight sprint to the train. Some loiter speculatively at the ticket barriers in the hope of a head start. Tickets are ready in hands. The tannoy announces the platfor...