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MP does business with local employers
West Dunbartonshire MP Gemma Doyle held a business forum on Friday, where local employers and businesses turned out to talk about the issues affecting them.
The event, which was held at the Abbotsford Hotel in Dumbarton, was the first in a series of Business Forums organised by the MP to give local businesses and employers from across West Dunbartonshire the opportunity to raise questions and ideas directly with politicians and policy makers. Representatives from West Dunbartonshire Council, Skills Development Scotland, the Chamber of Commerce and DWP were also present.
The forum was addressed by Ian Murray MP, Shadow Business Minister, who previously ran his own businesses in event management and the hospitality trade.
Gemma Doyle MP said: “West Dunbartonshire is one of the areas hardest hit by the current economic situation and it’s extremely challenging for businesses as well as individuals. One of my ambitions for our area is to strengthen our business base to make us more resilient to changing economic circumstances.
“Common themes around accessing information came up and I would hope that these can be addressed so we can move on to the bigger challenges. There were also some interesting points about the fact that some of the assistance schemes out there may not be right for the opportunities which exist in our area so I will be taking that up.
“I will continue push for action to get the economy moving at a UK and Scottish level, but it’s clear there is also an appetite locally to raise our game.”
Ian Murray MP added: “Politicians should be out and about listening to businesses so Gemma is leading the way among her colleagues with this Forum. It was great to meet a range of businesses grappling with the day to day impacts of the current economic situation and I will certainly be taking away some points and ideas that were raised.”
Victoria Crighton from Alexandria business ‘All Dressed Up’ commented: “Gemma’s forum was really helpful. It allowed us to meet with a number of different agencies who can help us with funding, wage subsidies and other business issues, and listening to what was being said by other local businesses in our area really made real sense. I look forward to attending the next business event – who knows what else I will learn!”
Two further events are planned before the summer and local businesses or employers can register their interest by contacting Gemma’s office on 0141 952 3177 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)