Lib Dems Hold Special Small Business Dinner

Written by Brian Cotter MP and published in Liberal Democrat News on Tue 2nd Mar 2004

Charles Kennedy recently invited small business owners and industry leaders to share their views on enterprise policy, as part of a unique brainstorming session to help inform the development of Party policy ahead of the next election.

A range of small businesses and trade organisations, including the CBI and Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), gathered at a top Indian restaurant in East London, to share their views with members of the parliamentary team, including Shadow Chancellor, Vince Cable, Small Business Spokesman, Brian Cotter and London Mayoral candidate, Simon Hughes.

After a short presentation by Vince Cable, the MP at each table led guests in a wide-ranging discussion on simplifying taxation, cutting red tape and reforming the State's role in providing business support.

Brian Cotter, who organised the event in partnership with the Lib Dem Business Forum was delighted with the success of the evening and is now encouraging colleagues to hold similar events with local businesses in their constituencies.

"The recent small business dinner was an outstanding success, with a range of businesses from the world of fashion, to the local corner store represented."

"All too often, small firms feel that politicians do little more than pay lip service to their needs. We wanted to show them that the Liberal Democrats are committed to actively listening to their concerns and providing constructive solutions to their problems. During the evening, guests were able to share their day to day experiences with us, which means that our policy will be better informed as a result."

"We had some excellent feedback from the evening and this will help us to formulate a comprehensive package of proposals which will encourage small businesses to thrive."

"I would urge colleagues to hold similar events in their area, so that we can boost our profile amongst the small business community even further and prove that the Liberal Democrats truly are the 'listening party.'

For further information on setting up a small business consultation session in your area, please contact Brian Cotter's office on 020 7219 5127 or cotterb@parliament.uk