Some of the delegates at Priti Patel’s employers forum. Front row: Priti with Denise Rossiter, CEO of Essex Chambers of Commerce. Back row from left: Angela Wagstaff – Allwag Promotions, Martin Jackson – MD of McKenzie Arnold Group, Tim Commins – Proprietor, JTA Safety Systems, Rebecca Stevens – Commercial Manager, Dalebrook Supplies.
Priti Patel holds employers forum to discuss key issues affecting local businesses
Witham’s MP, Priti Patel, has brought together local businesses from across the Witham Constituency, at Witham Town Hall to discuss issues affecting their businesses. The meeting was organised in cooperation with Essex Chambers of Commerce.
Representatives from Dalebrook Supplies Ltd, Simarco Worldwide Logistics, JTA Safety, McKenzie Arnold Group and Allwag Promotions met with Priti and discussed a wide range of issues covering supply chains, contract management, procurement and employment, topics which currently dominate day to day operational business matters.
Speaking after the meeting, Priti said: “The commercial world of business has been in my personal and professional background all my life and during my twelve years as Witham’s MP I have worked closely with the Essex Chambers of Commerce to champion job-creating businesses. By bringing local businesses together I can listen and act upon the issues that they raise and take these up directly with Government Ministers. I know that businesses are facing challenges at the moment, with the global supply chain, rising costs and the transition to net zero but Essex is a county of entrepreneurs and I have every confidence that our outstanding businesses will do all they can to overcome these challenges and I will be working with them to do so.
“SMEs form the backbone of our local economy and in Witham support around 80% of local jobs. There is always more that can be done to help and support local SMEs to grow, create jobs and thrive which is why today’s discussion, at a time when global economic factors are impacting on domestic business, is so important. My longstanding support and understanding of business and enterprise has provided profile and encouragement on crucial issues and I will always stand up for businesses in Essex.”
Denise Rossiter, CEO of Essex Chambers of Commerce said: “It was a very worthwhile session with some interesting shared experiences which identified ideas and suggestions for moving forward. Priti has always been a great friend of businesses in Essex and I’m grateful to her for taking time out of her busy schedule to meet and talk with some of our members. Good communication with key stakeholders is essential.”