This morning, I addressed a small business roundtable breakfast discussion in Walton for the second year in a row. 30 local businesses were invited, representing a broad range of sectors – from ESC Digital, an audio-visual company based in Walton-on-Thames, to Crane & Associates, an architectural practice based in Esher.
Each of the companies had a few minutes to introduce themselves and describe their biggest challenge and biggest opportunity. I then responded to each business, answering questions on business rates, apprenticeships, Brexit and the benefits of international trade.
SMEs are a vital part of our economy, and have created three quarters of all new jobs since 2010. This was a valuable opportunity to engage with a wide-range of our great local businesses and a hear their views.
My thanks to Danny Reardon and Scott Wilkins from Barclays for organising, and to Walton Working Men’s Club for kindly hosting the event.