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Harlow MP announces advice surgery for local businesses

HARLOW MP Robert Halfon is to hold an advice surgery for local businesses, giving them a chance to discuss issues such as the state of the economy.

Author : Robert Halfon MP


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In a letter to local small businesses, Mr Halfon has highlighted various issues which will impact on local businesses - including the VAT increase next week (January 4).

Mr Halfon has visited numerous small businesses and discussed relevant concerns. He has also built close relations with the Essex Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and local Chambers of Commerce.

On January 21 he is holding an advice surgery for local businesses in conjunction with Essex FSB.

In his letter, Mr Halfon said: "I know there are real worries - especially regarding the state of the economy. The country's debt and deficit remain high and we are currently paying £120 million a day in debt interest alone. 

"The planned January VAT rise will make the situation difficult and I was disappointed that the Government did not extend the National Insurance holiday to the east of England - something I have lobbied the Chancellor on - and will continue to do so. 

"Although eastern England is one of only two areas in the country with a positive GDP, it does not mean that areas like Harlow, do not desperately need help for small businesses."

He added that there have been some good measures announced by the coalition government.

These include:

* 75,000 more apprenticeships every year
* cuts to corporation tax
* making rate relief automatic for small businesses
* aiming for 25 per cent of all Government contracts to be awarded to small and medium-sized businesses
* all Government tenders to be published online in full and free of charge.

Mr Halfon said: "Moreover, the Government have set in train some difficult measures in order to get rid of the deficit by 2014.  If this succeeds, Britain will once again be on the path to a entrepreneurial low tax economy.

"For my part, I have been fighting hard for something I passionately believe in - expanding apprenticeships.

"I have employed the first ever MP apprentice who will complete a Level 3 by the end of his time in the House of Commons.

"I have also worked - with a number of skills-related organisations to create a Royal Society of Apprentices, to ensure that apprentices have the prestige and mentoring that other professions have. 

"This is not just about economic efficiency, but social justice as well."

Mr Halfon added: "I will continue to do all I can to support local businesses in Parliament. When a small business owner came to see me in my surgery recently, about rising costs, I raised his concerns on the floor of the House of Commons during Business Questions.

"!I have also contacted the Small Business Minister about his case.

"As a Conservative, I believe in business. Without flourishing small businesses we create no real employment or prosperity for the economy. 

"Helping business thrive should be in the DNA of every politician. It certainly is in mine. Although I don't have a magic wand, I do have the advantage of advocacy."


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