RUGBY’S new MP has told business leaders that potential new devolved powers could help drive business growth in the borough.
John Slinger attended the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Rugby Local Business Forum for the first time since he was elected in July.
During the meeting at Draycote Hotel, he told businesspeople from a range of sectors that his door was open to hear what issues are affecting companies across the borough.
He added: “I believe there is going to be more devolved powers to the regions and districts, and between myself, Rugby Borough Council leader Michael Moran and other partners, we can make sure we get the best deal for Rugby.
“We want to see an improving town centre and we want to do all we can to get the local economy moving forward.”
Jon Hinde, economic lead at Rugby Borough Council, told the meeting his team was producing an economic strategy for the borough that will go live next April.
The forum also heard from Ursula Dowd, from Love to Ride – a scheme supported by Warwickshire County Council to get more people cycling to work – and from Karen Simmons of Optimal Health UK, who told a personal story about why she was supporting businesses to look after the health of their staff.
And Sean Rose, Head of Business Representation and Policy at the Chamber, revealed the latest results from the Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey.
Karen Shuter, the chair of the Forum, said: “The turnout for the meeting was excellent and it was great to be joined by John Slinger.
“The Chamber is the voice of business in the area and it is only by hearing the views of a range of companies and organisations that we are able to speak up on the issues that matter to decision makers at a local, regional, national and international level.”
