Small businesses meet Gary Streeter MP for Q&A event

MP Gary Streeter, MP for South West Devon, took to the floor at a business event last month to answer questions from small businesses in a unique open discussion forum.

The breakfast event, organised by Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, took place at the National Marine Aquarium on Thursday 21 March and attracted over 30 small businesses from Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall.

Prior to the Q&A session, delegates had the chance to engage in some informal networking with other businesses present at the event and then received a presentation from MP Gary Streeter.

During his 20 minute presentation, the Conservative MP looked at three key points: the frame of the economy, solving particular problems for business and how companies can function with less interference from central Government.

This was then followed by the Q&A session, in which everyone at the event had the chance to participate and voice their views.

The morning generated some lively discussion and provided a fantastic opportunity for sole traders and owners of small businesses to directly voice their questions to a local MP. Questions asked covered a whole range of topics, from the potential future political landscape, banks and borrowing to the European Union, the future of Plymouth and the city’s branding.

MP Gary Streeter said:

“I congratulate the Chamber of Commerce on the way that they bring business people in Plymouth together for mutual advantage.  Plymouth has a vibrant and growing economy and it was good to hear from people on the front line the way in which Government can do more to help.”

Jacqui Shaw of Coralline Health was one of the business delegates at the event. She said:

“The meeting with Gary Streeter MP was one of the best I have attended. Having the opportunity to talk directly to our local MP is invaluable and really useful. Gary was very direct and honest with his answers and this was much appreciated by all of the attendees.”

Christopher Cole of Cornerstone Vision added:

“In these challenging economic times it is refreshing and encouraging to attend the Chamber’s networking events and listen to experienced and well-informed speakers like Gary Streeter MP. It would be my hope that the Chamber continues to foster a mature dialogue between the private and public sector because we need this collaboration to realise the great potential of our amazing city.”

Plymouth Chamber’s Small Business Network, which is designed to meet the specific needs of small businesses with less than 25 employees, is held on a monthly basis. The event gives delegates the chance to partake in some informal networking and is followed by a session of speed introductions, during which every business gets a formal introduction.

Suzi Cumberland, Events Manager at Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, said:

“Plymouth Chamber of Commerce has over 800 member organisations from all industries and sectors, which range from the smallest to the largest employers in Plymouth. The Small Business Network caters specifically for SMEs and is always a popular and well-received event.

“We were delighted to welcome MP Gary Streeter for the Q&A session at the March event. The morning had an extremely relaxed and informative environment and the feedback we received was very positive indeed. Given the success of this event, we will definitely be looking at looking at holding similar events for Plymouth businesses in the future.”