Federation of Small Businesses Shropshire Branch visit Houses of Parliament

David Wright very kindly organised a guided tour which included the House of Lords and members learned about the long history attached to the buildings and the stories behind such things as the Mace and Black Rod.

Logan Rainford, who was invited to join the tour as part of his home education said: “The most interesting thing for me was the fact that the people have the power.” In the booklet everyone received it explains how the British system of Government changed from one King, one vote, to one constituent, one vote.

FSB members then had the opportunity to meet David Wright in one of the committee rooms who explained parliamentary procedure and how to get issues raised in Parliament. Discussions included the Shropshire Branch’s Bridge to the Board meetings and Ben Coates, FSB Committee Member commented that: “It would be a good idea to look at topics discussed at the Bridge to the Board meetings over the last year and highlight issues that have concerned a lot of people.” David Wright said he would very much like to receive details and could raise such issues relating to his constituency in Parliament.

Bridge to the Board meetings are designed to give small businesses a voice on the Shropshire Business Board, the Telford & Wrekin Business Board, the LEP Board and in both Councils. Mark Pembleton, Economic Development Officer for Shropshire Council attended the last Bridge to the Board meeting in November and answered questions from businesses.

The LEP board and other councils have now heard about the meetings and the FSB Shropshire's Bridge to the Board meetings are seen as an exemplar model of small business engagement. With a direct route to the Government through Shropshire MPs the Bridge to the Board meetings will provide an even more powerful way to highlight business concerns and raise issues at Government level. The next meeting will be in February 2013.