Kelly Tolhurst MP hosted the Kent and Medway branch of Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Parliament for an event to celebrate the region’s business success and discuss the challenges that lie ahead.
As a keynote speaker, Kelly was pleased to address assembled guests and welcome them to the Houses of Parliament. During a short introductory speech Kelly raised the challenges that will come with Brexit and the years that follow, but also the key regional issue of essential infrastructure investment.
Kent has long been neglected when it comes to strategic investment but there are now some steps being taken to rectify this, including the new Lower Thames Crossing and rail investment. However, it is important this investment continues and deals with the roads that suffer severe congestion on a daily basis and which in turn impacts small business.
In Parliament, Kent’s MPs regularly work together to raise with ministers the issues and opportunities across the region, such as infrastructure, with recommendations based on evidence provided by businesses, residents and the public sector.
At the event Kelly said,
“It has been a pleasure to welcome so many engaged local businesses to Parliament, all of which face big challenges but have still secured success for themselves and the region.
“Having ran a small business prior to my election I know very well the issues and opportunities that come with being in Kent so it is important we do all we can to unlock that greater potential and I will be continuing to work with Kent colleagues and ministers to achieve this.”
