Business Minister Anna Soubry MP was in Ashburton today (27/05/16) visiting computer software company Grey Matter, before meeting with a number of other local employers. The trip was facilitated by Central Devon MP Mel Stride, who started his own business from scratch and ran it for 20 years before entering Parliament in 2010. For the second meeting Mr Stride and Ms Soubry were joined by representatives from Ashburton Chamber of Trade and Dartmoor National Park as well as Ashburton Cookery School, Cambium Networks, SRA developments, Nigel Irens Design and Ashburton Post Office.
Speaking after the event Mel said:
“The Government should be very proud that its pro-business policies have resulted in record employment levels in the UK and that there has never been so much support available for small and medium-sized businesses. However, it is vitally important ministers listen first-hand to employers’ concerns and have a full understanding of the unique challenges associated with running businesses in rural counties like Devon.”
Charles Cooke-Hurle from Grey Matter added:
“Many businesses in Ashburton are thriving and today was a great opportunity to have an open discussion with the minister on issues such as Small Business Rate Relief, rural broadband, apprenticeships and the National Living Wage to help develop both the national and local economy.”
