Yesterday I was selected to ask the new Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy what steps he is taking to engage with British businesses since the EU Referendum, during the Departments inaugural oral questions.
In the weeks and months following the Referendum, I have been contacted by a few local small businesses which have long enjoyed fruitful trading relationships with supply chain partners across Europe. However, sadly, some of them have seen a downturn in these fortunes with costs increased as a result of a number of factors, such as the fall of the pound and market shudders.
While we all want to ensure the hard-work is put into strengthening our economy, currency and trade links so that our small businesses can continue to boost local and regional economies. However, it is during these initial years where future benefits may not be felt by our local small businesses and I wanted to seek a commitment that support will be provided to both help their existence and maintain their links with Europe.
I was pleased that the Secretary of State confirmed his familiarity with a number of small Rochester and Strood businesses and added that over £3billion has been made available through the British Business Bank. Mr Clark acknowledged that small business are the motor of the bigger businesses that, together with small businesses, generate so many jobs in our economy, and I intend to ensure this is not forgotten.
Through this I will continue to raise the interests and concerns of local Rochester and Strood businesses with ministerial colleagues with the aim that fairness is maintained and detriments avoided.
Please follow the link ahead if you want to read the full transcript of the question session: http://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2016-09-13/debates/16091315000012/EUReferendumDiscussionsWithBusiness#contribution-16091315000030