Having run small businesses myself prior to becoming an MP, I have always been a passionate champion of small businesses, which are the real engine of our economy.

That’s why I have always been a big supporter of the Federation of Small Businesses, and why I was delighted to attend a roundtable with a number of local businesses this past Friday – to discuss a whole range of issues, including Brexit, Skills, Connectivity/Infrastructure and Self-Employment.

The voice of local business is something I have always been keen to empower, and I look forward to giving my support to the FSB and other hard-working entrepreneurs and small business owners for many years to come.