Mark Prisk, MP, the Government’s Minister for Small Businesses and Enterprise comes to the Island on [Thursday] 12th January. He will speak to SMEs (small and medium enterprises), and answer questions, on the subject of Planning for Economic Growth. All local businesses are invited to attend are invited between 9.30am and 11 a.m. at the Riverside Centre in Newport.

The meeting is being organized by the IW Chamber of Commerce and the Island’s MP, Andrew Turner.

Kevin Smith Chief Executive of the IW Chamber said,

“Successful businesses have to encounter the planning system and seek permissions to physically expand and grow their business. This means businesses using and investing their own money to grow their business without financial support from Government. This has got to be a good thing and should be welcomed and encouraged by all as, in turn, it will support and increase local jobs and employment opportunities.
However in reality we are seeing more and more businesses coming to us frustrated by the fact that the planning system significantly stalls and stifles any such plans that a business wants to make and invest into.”

Mr Turner added,
“I am very pleased the Minister is coming to hear the concerns of businesses on the Island. We all know these are testing times and the Government wants to remove any barriers to businesses expanding. In order to do that they need to hear what is happening at the coalface, so I hope local businesses will take this opportunity to let the Minister know what they think needs to be done.”

ENDS Contact : Andrew Turner’s office 01983 530808