Photos - Alan Mak MP speaks at Barclays Business Breakfast on Hayling Island
- Alan Mak MP with staff at Barclays' Hayling Island branch, Elm Grove
Havant MP Alan Mak has thrown his support behind banks and building societies as an integral part of the local business community. Mr Mak attended a business breakfast hosted by Barclays at Seacourt Tennis Club on Hayling Island to show his support for the sector.
The Havant MP joined 27 other representatives from the worlds of local manufacturing, enterprise and services at the Barclays Business Breakfast to discuss a range of topics concerning local industry and infrastructure.
Mr Mak took the opportunity to speak to those present about the importance of higher education, vocational courses, and apprenticeships in order to further reduce the ‘skills gap’ in the local jobs market. He flagged up his Jobs and Apprenticeships Fair, taking place at Warblington School in Havant on Friday 19th February, as an excellent opportunity to get this ball rolling.
Mak said the banking sector had experienced turbulence over the last decade, and one of the best ways of restoring public trust was for them to engage with local communities and support local businesses. He also praised the role of high street banks which have a personal relationship with businesses in their area.
Mak said: “I was delighted to speak at Barclays Business Breakfast, an excellent initiative to get local business leaders discussing ideas for growth in an open and friendly environment with their local bank.”
The Havant MP added: “Alongside other banks, Barclays do a great deal of excellent work getting the local economy moving. The meeting was hugely constructive, and covered a great deal of ground from increasing funding grants to local businesses to looking at ways we can improve local infrastructure including ferry connections.”
On restoring faith to banking Mak said, “Banks have a big role to play in our local economy, whether it’s helping a business to start, funding growing businesses, or providing business advice. The best way banks can restore trust in the finance sector is contribute to local communities and local businesses”
Caroline Burley, Head of Barclays Business and Corporate for Solent, said: “This event was a great opportunity to bring together businesses from the area for a really positive and practical discussion.”
Ms Burley added: “Our customers locally are doing well with a strong desire to expand and there is a genuine feeling of confidence in the area which was reflected at the event. I am really grateful to Alan for being so generous with his time and so open with his responses to the many questions raised by the delegates.”
Alan Mak is a keen advocate of local business and enterprise as MP for Havant. Hailing from a family of small business owners and having his own experiences of growing and running companies, Mak does not underestimate the importance of supporting local business.
His Havant Small Business Awards on Friday 29th April at South Downs College are a testament to this commitment. Nominations are now open for residents to nominate their favourite local business in a variety of categories. Please visit www.alanmak.org.uk for more information.