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MP makes plea to Rugby businesses

Rugby businesses are being asked to highlight any barriers to growth they’re experiencing to the town’s Member of Parliament.

Mark Pawsey, MP for Rugby, has sent out the message for firms to get in touch, so he can get a picture of what is happening and present it to government.

The call comes after business leaders who trade in the borough got together for a meeting of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Rugby branch.

They were vocal about a number of issues they were encountering and how they were hindering the progression of their companies, which the MP called ‘barriers to growth’.

Issues that were raised included the lack of commercial space for businesses within the town and a lack of incubator space for smaller firms.

Problems with getting access to broadband and its speed was also a hot topic at the meeting, which went ahead at Anya Court Care Home on Dunchurch Road, as well as there being a skills shortage within the town.

“It’s important that businesses get in touch and let me know of any barriers to growth that they are experiencing,” said Mr Pawsey.

“I can then feed this information back to Government, as there are activities and measures Government can take to support and encourage small businesses to grow.

“These are issues that I am fully aware of as a former businessman from Rugby myself and as MP for the area – so it is vital that we do all we can to make sure that firms are given the tools to grow and bring in more employment opportunities into the town.”

“Any information will also help me to continue lobbying for the town and look at what can be done for Rugby businesses.”

Karen Shuter, chair of the Rugby branch of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, added: “I understand that there are some issues throughout the town that businesses are faced with.

“It does seem like many different sectors are experiencing similar kinds of problem areas, so it was a very revealing meeting.

“I am pleased that Mark Pawsey was able to come along and listen to these issues and has shown an interest in helping.

“But there are many good reasons as to why businesses come to Rugby and stay in the town to work and trade - including the fantastic transport links that we benefit from in this area, so it is not all doom and gloom.”

Businesses who would like to pass on any details about ‘barriers to growth’ can do so through the Chamber by emailing policy officer Martyne Manning at martynem@cw-chamber.co.uk

Pictured: Karen Shuter and Mark Pawsey MP (both front, centre) with members of the Chamber’s Rugby branch committee

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Matt Joyce .