In keeping with Surrey members meeting their MPs programme our members in the Runnymede Constituency met with their local MP Dr Ben Spencer in Weybridge. This roundtable discussion at The Ship Hotel commenced with Ben giving an overview of Government work nationally emphasising that small/medium size businesses are of extreme importance to the Country’s economic stability and recovery. Government acknowledges that it has been an extremely challenging three years having dealt with Brexit, Covid–19 and the Ukraine war. Ben mentioned that not even a year has passed us since we were still using covid passes and that as a result of covid many 55+ year olds voluntarily dropped out of the labour market creating a skills shortage. Recruitment is a major problem especially in hospitality.
Members present raised Research and Development Tax Credits reduction to which Ben pointed out that The Treasury are taking a closer look.
Weybridge High Street and ‘the Bridge’ came under intense discussion. A barrier to local high street shopping is the high parking charges driving customers to online shopping. The bridge development is of concern as it will attract a high volume of lorry traffic as a distribution centre. Ben is monitoring the situation and any progress. The constituency is in urgent need of a start-up hub to meet business experts, said Cristal, a start-up business specialising in disability clothing. This could be housed in the under used libraries. Ben will take this away. Ben invited attendees to volunteer as speakers in the local schools. His request was well received. An excellent roundtable discussion.