Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, met with local business leaders in Penrith as part of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce’s roundtable. Covering everything from pandemic recovery to the war in Ukraine, attendees put support for Cumbrian businesses at the top of the agenda.
The event at the Roundthorn in Penrith began with Dr Hudson giving attendees an insight into his work in Westminster supporting local businesses. He raised key issues such as rising fuel costs, the economic repercussions of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, and post-16 transport policy which currently is inhibiting young people from achieving their potential.
This was followed by an in-depth question and answer session where the assembled business leaders could raise issues, suggestions, and queries with their elected representative. Discussed were local issues such as connectivity, second home ownership, staffing levels and the Levelling Up agenda. Attendees were thankful for the dialogue with Dr Hudson and promised to continue working together on issues within the constituency.
Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, said: “A big thank you must go to everyone at Cumbria Chamber of Commerce not only for organising the event but for all the hard work they do supporting businesses in our county. Our businesses are pivotal to society – employing people, cultivating innovation, and bringing wealth into Cumbria – and I’m proud to represent them.
“Put simply, industry voices need to be heard at the highest level of government, so I thank everyone who attended for their input. They’ve given me some important points that I can take to Ministers and to help find common-sense solutions to the problems facing business in Penrith & The Border and beyond.”
Attendees represented a range of organisations including Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, Cumbria Community Foundation, Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, Atkinson Building Contractors Ltd, Center Parcs, Penrith Building Society, Fibrus Networks GB Ltd, Mitchell Dryers Ltd, Lloyd Jaguar Land Rover, A Chance for Life Ltd, Annie Mawson’s Sumbeams Music Trust, Gen2 Training Ltd, Centre for Leadership Performance and Finesse Bridal & Finesse Jewellery.
