More great apprentice news

I was pleased to see so many young people enthused by the varied programme of work put together by FC Fund Managers, which culminated in the award ceremony which I attended earlier this week

http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/apprentice-wins-pound-500-internship-firm/story-16996288-detail/story.html

Britannia Royal Naval College visit

I was delighted to spend time last week visiting Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth as part of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme, and see some of the hard work that goes into the training of our officer cadets

http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/MPs-taste-Navy-lark-officer-cadets/story-16998358-detail/story.html

West Briton Column 27 September 2012

Earlier this month I had the pleasure of welcoming members of the Mid Cornwall Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) to the House of Commons. It is always a pleasure to see individuals and groups from Cornwall in Parliament, and is an excellent way in which I can keep in touch with local views and concerns when parliamentary business keeps from my constituency.

On this occasion I was able to listen to FSB members detail the challenges their businesses currently face, ranging from difficulties accessing business loans to the commercial strangulation by too much red tape.

These are concerns I have heard again and again from local business people since my election, and concerns that I have continually pressed the Government to address. Two years on, I am pleased to say that some progress is being made.

The Funding for Lending Scheme has been introduced to give small businesses better access to finance; under the scheme banks have been given a strong incentive to increase the availability of business loans and mortgages. The National Loan Guarantee Scheme complements this increase in lending by driving down the costs of the loans offered to businesses; since March this year over 16,000 small business have benefited from the cheaper loans secured by the scheme.

Meanwhile the costs that excessive red tape imposes upon businesses are also being tackled. Minsters across Government are signed up the ‘Red Tape Challenge’ which has seen hundred of unnecessary regulations scrapped over the past year. The Challenge continues, you can learn more and suggest regulations to scrap by visiting www.redtapechallenge.cabinetoffice.gov.uk

However I am concerned that much this excellent work to support small businesses could be compromised by suggestions that this summer’s temporary relaxation of Sunday Trading Laws could be made permanent. I oppose this for many reasons and believe that it would have a real impact on small independent retailers, who in the past few months have experienced an average 20% drop in sales as shoppers have taken advantage of supermarkets’ newly-extended Sunday opening hours.  The Government has stated that, whilst it will look at any benefits the change could bring, it has no plans to extend the relaxation of Sunday Trading Laws beyond this Summer. I doing all I can to hold Ministers to this commitment and am keeping a careful eye on the situation.

I am also working to promote the range of advice and support that is now available to small businesses.  The FSB visit to Parliament marked the launch of a business directory that I have been working on with Federation members, detailing the organisations and schemes that can provide useful help, advice and support to small businesses. Copies of this directory can be obtained by visiting my website www.sarahnewton.org.uk or by calling my office on 1872 274 760. 

In Truro and Falmouth we are blessed with some outstanding independent  businesses, providing quality goods and services to their customers.  Ensuring that these local businesses have the support they need to thrive and grow remains a top priority for me.

Welcoming small businesses to the House of Commons

I was delighted to recently welcome Mid Cornwall Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) to the House of Commons.

http://www.thisisthewestcountry.co.uk/news/cornwall_news/9950550.MP_welcomes_business_leaders/

Truro flood prevention scheme

I am delighted to be opening the much needed Truro flood prevention scheme at Lighterage Quay on 25 September. The new defences have transformed the quay and will be a real asset for the city.

http://www.thisisthewestcountry.co.uk/news/cornwall_news/9943524.Flood_defences_in_Truro_to_be_unveiled/

Truro wins South West in Bloom

I am delighted to see that the beautiful city of Truro has won the South West in Bloom competition

http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/Truro-wins-South-West-Bloom/story-16956567-detail/story.html

Robert Owen Communities Welcome in Truro

I am attending  this event at The One Eyed Cat in Truro on 3 October.  I would encourage anyone with an interest in ROC’s vision, to create a hub of social opportunity for people with learning disabilities, to come along and see what ROC are all about.

For more information, please see ROC’s website below:

http://www.roc-uk.org/news/roc-down-one-eyed-cat