As Parliament is in recess over the summer, I’m using the opportunity to go on a Summer Tour of Amber Valley. I’ve been visiting local businesses and charities, as well as holding supermarket surgeries throughout the constituency, to discuss the big political changes and events of the last few months and talk about what the local priorities and issues are for my constituents.
It’s been brilliant to hear about the growth and expansion plans of our local businesses, with many diversifying into new sectors and markets. Thanks to the hard work and continued development of these companies, latest figures show that unemployment in Amber Valley has fallen by nearly 60% since 2010, even when considering the awful collapses over the last year of Leaderflush Laidlaw Shapland and Courtaulds.
To build on these strong figures, I’m committed to helping even more constituents back into work so our local economy can grow even more, and we can keep progressing towards our target of full employment. As a result, on the 7th October 2016, I’ll be holding another Jobs Fair at Ripley Leisure Centre from 10am to 3pm.
Many local employers, such as Filigree Holdings, HL Plastics, Deb, Owen Taylor, trentbarton and Manthorpe, have already confirmed their attendance, but there are still stands left. If you are a local employer or training provider who is interested in having a free stand at the event, please get in touch by emailing nigel.mills.mp@parliament.uk or ringing my office on 01773 744341.
Also over the coming months, negotiations to begin the process of leaving the European Union will take centre stage, and we need to place business and growth at the centre of these discussions. In this way, I’m pleased by the Chancellor’s recent commitment to support my suggestion to lower Corporation Tax from 20% to below 15% to show that the UK rewards positive business and make us even more attractive to outside investment.
Nevertheless, I know more can be done to help businesses in Amber Valley and throughout the UK capitalise on the changes and opportunities ahead. So, I’m eager to set up a roundtable and further meetings with local company owners, directors, managers and groups to discuss their priorities for Britain’s exit strategy from the EU, with focus on trade, reducing regulation and taxation. If you are interested in attending this roundtable, or if you would like to arrange a separate meeting with me to discuss your concerns and priorities, please contact my office on the above details.