Our Managing Director, Lee Peck, was delighted to help co-ordinate a visit to the House of Commons for businesses from Southampton to have their views heard by Blair McDougall, the Minister for Small Business and Economic Transformation. 

The event was superbly organised by Satvir Kaur MP for Southampton Test, who hosted the session with Darren Paffey MP for Southampton Itchen.

A number of leepeckmedia clients were among more than 20 companies who visited Westminster. They ranged from those running cafes to hairdressers in our local highstreets, to tech, ferry and small housing companies. 

A number of topics were discussed with the Minister, ranging from the the importance of city centres attracting investment and talent to an area; how the hospitality sector is suffering under the weight of taxes and rates; employment challenges and the impact of AI, regulation and de-regulation.

Our client, Stephen Manion FRSA Executive of GO! Southampton, the Business Improvement District for the city centre, said: “Our remit is to support all business in the city centre. It’s vital that they are sustainable and thriving because that’s what gives us our local identity. Independent cafés and restaurants are just as important as major stores in attracting footfall. And they need support. Without them city centres will become sterile wastelands.”

Minister Mcdougall, said: “It was great to meet local businesses from Southampton in Parliament this week. Local businesses and highstreets are not only the beating heart of our communities but where community takes place. Hearing first-hand their concerns, but also opportunities to do more, was extremely valuable. I’ll be taking what I heard and ensuring Government is laser focused on continued support for small businesses and highstreets in Southampton and across our country. I look to visiting Southampton in the near future and continuing conversations.”