Margot James, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy met business leaders in Malvern on Friday, 13th January, as part of her brief to support small and medium sized businesses. Among the issues discussed were digital connectivity – broadband and mobile – transport problems, including Carrington Bridge, cyber security – a subject where Malvern has particular expertise – skills and apprenticeships, red tape in government contracts, the need for prompt payment, and planning for SMEs.
Also present were the leaders of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, an area where Margot James has direct responsibility, and local authority leaders from Worcestershire County Council and Malvern Hill District Council, as well as the local MP, Harriett Baldwin, who has an office in the Malvern Hills Science Park, where the meeting was held.
The photograph shows, from the left, Conservative County Councillor Phil Grove, leader of Malvern Hills District Council; Margot James, MP; Conservative County Councillor Ken Pollock, WCC cabinet member for Economy, Skills and Infrastructure; Harriett Baldwin MP and Simon Geraghty, Leader of Worcestershire County Council.