Coventry and Warwickshire FSB members' special event for general election

General Election candidates from across Coventry and Warwickshire got the chance to tell businesses what they will do for them ahead of the general election.

FSB joined forces with the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce to organise a general election lunch with 14 prospective MPs and business leaders.

Candidates from across a range of constituencies from the Conservative, Green, Labour, Liberal Democrat and UKIP parties attended and talked to around 80 business people about everything from Brexit to apprentices. One candidate from each party was given the opportunity to speak for five minutes on their party’s manifesto before they spoke to companies individually in a round table format. The event was concluded with a question and answer session which allowed firms to raise further issues with prospective Parliamentarians.

The format meant that politicians didn’t come and talk at business, it was a two-way dialogue and it gave them a chance to raise concerns as well as listen to what each party wants to do for business in the region. Businesses do not work to boundaries so it was great that they could discuss wider regional issues with candidates from across Coventry & Warwickshire. From digital infrastructure to late payments, and business rates and town centres, the local business community were keen to hear from the candidates, how they and their party would tackle the issues that are affecting them every day.

Coventry & Warwickshire region has 61,000 self-employed people and over 45,000 small and micro businesses that employ less than 50 people. FSB are therefore keen to work with the successful candidates to ensure that the needs of our vital small business community are considered, both in the region and nationally.