Throughout my time as the Forest’s MP I have always taken the time to engage with and listen to the concerns of our job creators.
This includes large businesses like Lucozade Ribena Suntory, one of our biggest employers, who have invested millions in their Coleford factory which I have toured several times, and who I have helped host events in Parliament.
Equally, I take the time to listen to our small and medium sized businesses, including our shops and those in the hospitality sector who are the backbone of the local economy. I went to particular lengths to support them in our recovery from the pandemic, leading the case in Parliament to get our economy back open as soon as safely possible.
Several local businesses have been the beneficiaries of Government grants in recent years and I have been happy to play my part in supporting them. For example, the Rising Sun at Woodcroft and the George Café in Newnham have received £175,000 and £250,000 respectively from the Community Ownership Fund, helping to get these fantastic venues back open and run by and for the local community.
