The Worcestershire branch of the Federation of Small Businesses held an election debate, questioning Worcestershire's Conservative hopefuls on their plans for the local community. Chaired by Worcestershire FSB Chairman Ken Wigfield, five Conservative prospective MPs were asked by a gathering of local businessmen and women about Conservative policy both nationally and locally.
With the country's finances in a dire mess, the role of the small business sector is vital for the economic recovery. Yet the meeting discussed how 13 years of a Labour government had swamped businesses with bureaucracy, complicated tax systems and overbearing regulations. The Conservatives agreed and recognised that this stifles the chance for recovery, and growth for the small businessman.
Speaking after the meeting, Mark Garnier said: "The choice at the next election is very clear indeed. We can opt for a Conservative government, which will give businesses a helping hand, getting our country back on track: or we can stay with Gordon Brown and see further squandering of our nation's finances and a cascade of petty, but expensive, regulation.
"But it is not just about which party will set the economy back on course again. At a local level, constituencies will need effective MPs to be able to deliver those Conservative opportunities locally. IN Wyre Forest we need special efforts to deal with the heavy unemployment burden and the difficult local conditions. Our immediate priority must be for our local businesses that need the support of an effective MP. When the recovery comes, Wyre Forest must not be left behind."