Backing small businesses was on the Parliamentary agenda this week as Rugby MP Mark Pawsey called on the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to support small business growth.
Mark has met with businesses across the constituency, including the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, to discuss the challenges faced by businesses wanting to expand, but who struggle to find appropriate premises. Ensuring that there is sufficient employment land in Rugby is a priority for both Mark and the Chamber of Commerce.
Following these discussions, Mark highlighted during Communities and Local Government questions the shortage of smaller business units around Rugby and asked the Secretary of State to consider requiring developers of large industrial sites to provide units for smaller businesses. These units are particularly crucial for start-up businesses looking to expand.
After speaking in the House of Commons, Mark commented:
“I ran my own business right here in Rugby for 25 years, so I know how vital it is to ensure that there is room for businesses to develop and grow. Rugby has seen great expansion of larger industrial units, particularly at Rugby Gateway and at DIRFT, but it is also important to support smaller businesses.”
Mark continued:
“Since being elected as Rugby’s Member of Parliament, I’ve met with a number of businesses in the area who are all keen to grow further. Rugby is a great place for new businesses to start up but one of the issues that has been drawn to my attention on a number of occasions by business owners is that there are simply not enough available smaller business premises to enable them to expand and create more jobs.”
Mark concluded:
“As our town grows, it’s vital that we take into account the needs of small and medium sized businesses. I am pleased that the Government’s White Paper will look to secure business growth. They are the lifeblood of our economy and by helping them to achieve their full potential, we can create the success stories of the future.”