Mel Stride MP was in Crediton today to meet with the Federation of Small Businesses. Among the attendees were Development Manager for Devon Sue Wilkinson, Area lead Mick Green, former FSB branch Chairman Jerry Allen and FSB member Caroline Davis. Issues discussed included small business confidence as the UK prepares to leave the European Union and the need to address staff and skills shortages, including labour shortages within the agriculture, leisure and social care sectors.
But at the top of the agenda was the Great South West Vision – an alliance of business leaders, local authorities and higher education chiefs that have called on the Government to give the same high-profile backing as other initiatives such as the Northern Powerhouse and the Midlands Engine. The FSB pointed to the economy of Great South West region being double that of Greater Manchester and West Midlands, with the region also contributing more to UK Gross Value Added than both the Thames Gateway and the Cambridge – Milton Keynes – Oxford corridor.
Speaking after their meeting Mel said:
“The South West faces significant challenges including its transport connectivity, skills shortages compared to other parts of the UK, disparate populations and the combination of higher than average house prices and lower than average wages which can lead to young professionals looking at more affordable parts of the country to live in. An ambitious vision that champions the potential of the South West is exactly what we need and I am very happy to give this my support.”
