Britain’s Virtuous Cycle
Today, I wrote a column for The Daily Telegraph, setting out the positive economic news since Brexit, and highlighting the opportunities it presents for Britain. You can read the article here
Read MoreBritain’s Global Trade Strategy
Today, I’ve written in The Times outlining how securing trade deals with countries across the world can be Britain’s best bargaining chip, when dealing with the EU on trade. You can read my article here.
Read MoreNational Apprenticeship Week
Last week, I joined apprentices and staff at Waitrose in Cobham, to mark National Apprenticeship Week 2016. I was met by store manager Will Lane and local co-ordinator Caroline Fielding, and got the opportunity to shadow the two apprentices working in the Cobham store, Paige and Jake (pictured with me above) to see the kind […]
Read MoreWellden Turnbull Budget Seminar
On Friday, I joined Wellden Turnbull, an independent firm of chartered accountants based in Cobham, for their annual Budget seminar at Cobham Rugby Club. The annual seminar is a great opportunity to touch base with the local business community, reflect on the main aspects of the Budget, and hear back from local businesses and residents. […]
Read MoreWalton Citizens Advice Bureau
Today, I met up with Jane Bourgeois (Manager) and Alison Mein from the Elmbridge West branch of the Citizens Advice Bureau - based in Walton. Jane and Alison talked me through some of their casework. We’ve seen an increase in housing, relationship breakdown, and consumer referrals to the CAB, and a reduction in the number […]
Read MoreCatching Up with Councillors
Over the past couple of weeks, I have been buzzing around the constituency meeting with local councillors, keeping my ear to the ground. This week, I met four branches of the local Conservative Association, to discuss a range of important issues, from providing more school places to Crossrail 2. At a meeting with Walton South […]
Read MoreMeeting with Local Businesses
Over the last week, I have been catching up with some local businesses. On Thursday evening, I visited Esher Business Guild to talk about government policies to help small businesses, including reducing red tape and the business rates review. We also talked about the current mix of businesses on Esher’s High Street, and how we […]
Read MoreChristmas Deliveries
This morning, first thing, I dropped by the Esher and Molesey Royal Mail delivery office. It’s an opportunity to see first hand just how busy our local postmen and women get at this time of year. Mark Peters, the office manager, showed me round, how the systems work, and the kinds of challenges they have […]
Read MoreSmall Business Saturday
Today, I joined Sue Towner and a team from the Federation of Small Businesses in Claygate for Small Business Saturday. We started off at Trew Art, pictured below, and toured the parade. Small Busines Saturday is a great opportunity to hear from small businesses (from art galleries to the local butcher), see what’s going on […]
Read MoreBake Off in Thames Ditton
On Friday, I popped in on Venson Automotive Solutions, where employee Steve Wall had organised an in-house ‘bake-off’ competition to raise money for Children in Need. As pictured below, I joined MD Samantha Roff and Sharon Evans (from the Lime Tree Cafe) to judge the finalists - which, yes, did involve extensive sampling! Christina (far […]
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