MP hosts Parliamentary business support group

WARRINGTON South MP Faisal Rashid hosted the autumn reception of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Business Support and Engagement.
He had successfully launched the group back in March with a two-fold objective – to use Parliament as a platform to both support and engage business.
The autumn reception formed part of the group’s programme to “engage” business, and the event focussed on the Government’s recently launched Export Strategy.
Baroness Fairhead, Minister of State for Trade and Export Promotion, key note speaker of the evening was able to provide an overview of the strategy to representatives from a range of backgrounds, as well as answer their questions on a range of topics from Brexit to building the next generation of exporters.
Other speakers included Bill Esterson, Shadow Minister for International Trade – who spoke about the importance of environmental protections and employment rights – and Dave Maisey, whose business – ICC solutions – is based in Warrington South.
As well as, Russ Grazier, head of Barclays Export Credit Agency business, Joe Denham, CEO of VegTrug Ltd, Paul Alger, International Business Director at UK Fashion and Textiles.
The event was  sponsored by Trade Fair Support, and CEO Jolyon Potter also contributed to the evening.
After the event, Mr Rashid said: “I am very pleased the APPG’s Autumn Reception was a huge success.
“It was great to have such an assortment of businesses attending the event, representing a mix of companies, small, medium and large – alongside associations and parliamentarians.
“And it was fantastic to have so many business representatives from Warrington attending the event. and I will do my best to help and support businesses in Warrington South to explore further opportunities.
“As a member of the International Trade Committee, as well as chair of this APPG, I am committed working hard to support British Businesses in exploring new markets. Especially as the UK prepares to leave the European Union and British Businesses look to redefine their position on the global economic stage.
“I hope the event sent a clear message that we as Parliamentarians want to do all we can to support businesses and promote ethical business practices and corporate responsibility when engaging in business activities.”