Even during these tough economic times, the public sector still spends a significant amount of money on external goods and services. I’m keen to see as much of this money as possible invested in local businesses as they are more likely to invest in Leicester’s economy and take on local people.

We discussed this issue at last meeting of the Leicester West Business Forum, which was attended by local companies, the Federation of Small Businesses and the Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce. We heard presentations from the City Council, the local police, NHS and ESPO – one of the country’s largest public sector professional buying organisations.

I’ll be taking forward the issues raised including how to ensure large, primary contractors do more to subcontract to local small businesses.