Mark Garnier MP has today launched a new group dedicated to championing the cause of the carpet industry in Westminster, established under the terms of the All Party Parliamentary Groups.
The APPG for the British Carpet Industry will aim to promote the interests of the carpet industry in Parliament, responding to issues on behalf of the industry, and ensuring the industry has a loud and clear voice in Parliament.
The first job of the group will be to establish the relevance of the industry in terms of its importance to the UK economy. In so doing, an analysis of the strengths and weakness, opportunities and threats to the industry will be undertaken. Importantly, the study will isolate those issues that are unique to the carpet industry.
The group will be supported by the Kidderminster based Carpet Foundation.
Mark Garnier, the group's first chairman, said: "If there is an MP who represents the carpet industry, it has to be the MP representing Kidderminster. Yet this is the first time any Wyre Forest MP has established this important group. The carpet industry, once a crucial part of our district's economy, is smaller than it was, but this makes it even more important to establish a group to champion the interests of this nationwide industry.
"70% of British wool finds its way into a British made carpet and British carpets are found all across the world where excellence and durability is needed. I look forward to making sure this group has the critical mass to make a difference to our carpet industry."
Andrew Stanbridge of the Carpet Foundation said: "The APPG has the support of both the carpet industry and the Carpet Foundation. We are delighted to be able to support the group in any way we can and look forward to working with our supportive MPs and peers in the future. This is a very welcome initiative."