Neil Carmichael - MP for Stroud

Planning for the Future

27 February 2012 at 15:42

 Planning for the Future

As the budget approaches, I am mindful of the importance of rebalancing our economy and ensuring that manufacturing and engineering are both given appropriate support and encouragement. From visiting countless factories and related businesses in our area, I know there is an appetite and capability for even more investment.

To this end, one of the focuses of the forthcoming "Festival of Manufacturing and Engineering" is to highlight new opportunities for accessing finance and then explore business development strategies. On 26 April, Lloyds TSB, Handelsbanken and Evolution will all be available to discuss alternative methods for obtaining investment. These contributions will be reinforced by practical experience from local firms already benefitting from growth through investment.

The Coalition Government is determined to ensure that interest rates are affordable for businesses, and, of course, everyone else, by reducing our deficit and therefore protecting our credit rating. This policy runs in parallel with the reform of the banking sector, designed to ensure sensible investment and more appropriate risk management. Against this encouraging background, I want to promote more local investment.

Another key component of business development is access to skilled labour through a flexible and dynamic labour market. The Coalition Government is also tackling this policy area by supporting apprenticeships, enhancing training in key sectors and driving up standards in our schools.

Again, the Festival has a role to play in encouraging young people to look at manufacturing and engineering in terms of their career planning. The plain fact is that we need more people with relevant skills in design, technology, manufacturing, logistics and production systems. Today, the whole sector is modern, clean, vibrant and exciting.

I am making sure that policy in Westminster and Whitehall is developed to support manufacturing and engineering. It is all about putting the Valleys and Vale on track to economic growth.

If you would like to discuss the issues raised above, please contact me on 01453 751572.

Neil Carmichael

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Tags: Cam and Dursley