Frome Chamber hosted a highly engaging business breakfast on Friday 21st March at the Cheese and Grain, bringing together 30 local business leaders to discuss pressing regional economic challenges with guest speaker Anna Sabine, MP. The meeting provided a platform for candid discussions on social housing, infrastructure, skills shortages, and national insurance increases, offering businesses an opportunity to voice their concerns and explore collaborative solutions.
Somerset Councillors Dawn Denton and Theo Butt-Philip, along with David Crew from the Somerset Chamber, were also in attendance, further enriching the discussion.
Curtis Bartlett of Bartlett Bid Management
A Warm Welcome and Setting the Stage
The session began with a welcome from the Frome Chamber. Curtis Bartlett from BBM, the event sponsor, provided a brief but insightful introduction to his Bid Management company, outlining its role in supporting businesses in securing contracts and enhancing competitiveness.
Peter Quintana then introduced Anna Sabine, who gave a short introduction to herself, her areas of interest, and where she is focussing her time as our MP, highlighting the importance of constructive engagement between policymakers and the business community.
Key Topics of Discussion
Social Housing and Business Challenges
Concerns were raised about the impact of social housing on the local workforce and economy. The discussion emphasized the need for businesses to work together to develop sustainable solutions that balance housing needs with economic growth.
Infrastructure Development
From broadband accessibility to road networks, infrastructure issues were a major topic of debate. The significance of robust infrastructure to support growing industries such as tech, engineering, and construction was underscored, with calls for greater investment in regional development initiatives.
Apprenticeships, Skills Gaps, and Workforce Shortages
A recurring theme was the shortage of skilled workers, particularly in technical fields. Attendees expressed concerns about large corporations attracting talent away from SMEs, making it difficult for smaller enterprises to compete. The conversation also highlighted the necessity of stronger collaboration between businesses, schools, and enterprise advisers to improve apprenticeship opportunities and career pathways.
National Insurance (NI) Increases and Business Sustainability
The rising cost of NI was another key concern, with Anna Sabine citing Dorothy House as an example of how increased contributions are straining critical care services. The broader implications for SMEs and business sustainability were discussed, with calls for government intervention to mitigate these financial pressures.
Moving Forward: Actionable Steps
To address these challenges, several action points were identified:
• Strengthening Business-School Engagement: Establishing a platform to facilitate better communication and collaboration between businesses and educational institutions.
• Gathering Business Insights: Anna Sabine is actively campaigning and collecting evidence from business owners to support efforts in addressing skills shortages and apprenticeship challenges.
• Enhancing Enterprise Advisory Links: Investigating ways to better connect local chambers with enterprise advisers to streamline school-to-business pathways.
Anna Sabine MP
Support and Advocacy from Anna Sabine MP
Anna Sabine reaffirmed her commitment to supporting businesses by:
- Lobbying ministers on key issues affecting local businesses.
- Hosting regular events to foster discussions and drive policy improvements.
- Advocating for changes in government policy where necessary.
- Offering guidance on funding opportunities and planning applications.
- Establishing the Business MP Club – Better Business Breakfast, a quarterly networking event to maintain momentum in business advocacy and collaboration.
Conclusion
The discussion underscored the power of open dialogue between business leaders and policymakers. With pressing concerns around infrastructure, workforce shortages, and financial burdens, proactive engagement remains critical. Anna Sabine’s commitment to advocating for businesses offers a hopeful path forward, ensuring that local enterprises continue to thrive in a challenging economic landscape.
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