Addressing local business leaders this week, Stratford-on-Avon MP Manuela Perteghella empathised with small and medium-sized enterprises in the region by explaining that she felt she too was also “a small business.”
Perteghella was the guest speaker at the most recent meeting of BNI Shakespeare – the local chapter of Business Network International – and set the scene by telling participants that on becoming an MP for the first time in July last year, she was suddenly faced with some of the challenges many of them could relate to: “recruiting staff, finding premises, and setting up a fully-functioning operation from scratch, all on a fixed budget.”
After a brief introduction outlining her remit as an MP, and how she works alongside other levels of local government, Perteghella took questions from BNI members and other guests – all business owners from Stratford-on-Avon and across Warwickshire.
It proved to be an informal and informative discussion on a range of important topics that affect the region’s economy and business growth. Subjects covered included what support is available for local businesses in terms of grants and training; the Warwickshire devolution debate; regeneration of town centres and the shortage of affordable business premises; and the particular challenges faced by a predominantly rural constituency.
Other wider national issues that impact on the region – including planning, transport, housing and the skills shortage – were also covered, together with the upcoming rise in National Insurance costs and the effect Stamp Duty has on the purchase of commercial property.
In conclusion, while conceding that “I am well aware that in Parliament, I am only one voice amongst 650, and my party is not in power (currently, she joked),” Perteghella did stress the important role a local MP can play in working on behalf of the community, and raising local issues at national level. “With regular constituency surgeries, and via email and social media, I am always happy to answer questions and listen to the concerns both of business owners and individuals. My door is always open.”
More Information:
Business Network International (BNI) is the world’s largest business networking organisaton, with over 40 years of continuous growth, and has over 335,000 members worldwide. BNI’s mission is to help members increase their business through a structured, positive and professional referral marketing programme that enables them to develop long-term, meaningful relationships with fellow business professionals.
The Shakespeare chapter was established in 2024 to serve Stratford-upon-Avon and surrounding areas, and meets weekly at The Riverside Venue at Avon Estates in Stratford. For further details contact Kate Rouse on kate@hamiltonrouse.com
Please mention The Warwickshire Review when reaching out to businesses mentioned in this article – thank you.
