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The owners and managers of smaller businesses heard from the Conservatives' Joint Chairman of the Economic Competitiveness Policy Group and were able to share their thoughts with him. Len Collinson, National Chairman of the FPB, said the evening proved entertaining and informative.
"Many of those attending were surprised by the extent of the research that the Conservative Party is carrying out in preparation for government."
Mr Redwood said it is time that fresh impetus is given to reducing barriers to competitiveness.
"The UK has lost competitiveness under Labour over the last 10 years. As a result, one million manufacturing jobs have been lost and 5.3 million people of working age are without a job. A Conservative government will need to remove costly regulation, increase the capacity of our transport systems, using private capital, raise public-sector productivity, and improve skills and training to give those 5.3 million people a chance of a job, and to lift the prosperity of the British people."
"Over the last 10 years, whilst the UK has grown 27%, Ireland, with lower business taxes, has grown 76%. It shows what can be done if government gets out of the way and leaves business freer to invest and spend money well." he added.
This was the second of three dinners sponsored by Lloyds TSB, Anthony Thomas is Senior Manager, External Affairs at the bank.
"This was an excellent opportunity for business people to engage and influence debate with a political heavyweight. For Lloyds TSB, supporting these dinners allows us to demonstrate our absolute commitment to the SME market place and also share in the key issues facing business owners."
The third and final dinner will to be held on Wednesday, March 21 2007 featuring guest speaker Marc Sussman. Mr Sussman worked for the International Trade Commission of President Jimmy Carter and later for the Counsel to the President. He was then International Affairs Analyst for Chemical Bank and later a member of President Clinton's Small Business Administration.
Places are still available at the final dinner, priced £82.25, and can be booked online.
Contact:
Tell us what you think about this issue. Email us at feedback@fpb.org
For further information, contact Matt Hardman at the FPB press office on 01565 626019 / 07775 756 306 or via email at matt.hardman@fpb.org |
