Backing local businesses to boost jobs and growth is one of my top priorities as the MP for Leicester West. So I was delighted to help host a meeting on Friday 6^th September with around 40 local firms, alongside the Federation of Small Businesses and Labour’s Shadow Business team, including Bill Thomas, Chair of the Small Business Taskforce.

The purpose of the event was to hear directly from local companies about what would help them expand and thrive. There was an excellent discussion about a range of issues including skills and training, business support and mentoring, government procurement and the tax and regulatory environment. Many of the comments, ideas and suggestions reflected the discussions in my Leicester West Business Forum, which I established last year.

Shadow Small Business Minister Toby Perkins MP and Bill Thomas said they would ensure the points raised by local firms feed directly into Labour’s policy review. I’m really grateful to all those who attended, the FSB for helping to organise the meeting, and De Montfort University for providing us with the venue for this important event.