Now we must really mean Business

The PM was straight talking at Prime Minister's Questions, accepting that the latest growth figures are disappointing and that even if you strip out the effect on retailing and services of the worst weather in decades you are still left with an economy in which growth evaporated in the last quarter of 2010.

These figures may yet be revised upwards but there is no getting away from it — this latest news is not good.

The key to getting the economy going will be to achieve strong private sector growth. Sticking to our deficit reduction plans is part of securing this as it will help keep interest rates low by maintaining market confidence — markets upon which we rely to service a national debt that has now exceeded £2-trillion or £37,600 per person.

Labour will argue that we need not reduce the debt so quickly but my firm view is that the markets would tell us differently if rowed back now.

Encouraging private sector business means cutting bureaucracy, easing employment burdens and encouraging new business start-ups.

It also means getting bank lending going again, which in turn requires continued pressure on the banks to increase their loan books to small and medium -sized firms. The Government is engaged in all these areas.

Locally, I see a vital part of my role as your MP as being to encourage local businesses. I have spent much time listening to local employers and in some cases taking their concerns directly to government ministers.

My own background includes around 20 years running my own company and I know how tough it can be to keep going — if you have a business in the constituency and believe that I can assist you then please contact me — 01392 823306.