Dean Russell, chaired a a Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) roundtable with former St Albans Member of Parliament, Anne Main and the council portfolio holder for business Councillor Beric Read.
Dean Russell chaired the session with local business leaders and members of the FSB.
Following the roundtable, Mrs Main said: “It was great to meet the FSB. Small businesses make up the life blood of the city, contributing to more than half of all employment and they are fully immersed in St Albans life.
“We had a great discussion around how we can build on the success of small businesses in the city, and help them tackle current issues. As a backer of small business, I will continue to give them my full support.”
Topics the business leaders discussed included the shortage of commercial premises, the effect of tourism on the city, crime against business, and the difficulty in finding skilled employees.
Dean Russell, regional Chair of the Federation of Small Business in Hertfordshire, said: “We had very useful discussion with Anne and Beric and we have made plans to raise awareness of the value of small businesses and how they add to the vibrancy and economic prosperity of the city.
Dean added “With experience working with business leaders, I was pleased that Ann Maine MP is clearly very supportive of the small business community and the important role business leaders play in the constituency and she listened very carefully to concerns. Beric was happy to help in ensuring St Albans remains a great place to do business.”
The event was also covered in The Herts Advertiser here: http://www.hertsad.co.uk/news/st-albans-mp-anne-main-meets-with-federation-of-small-businesses-1-5378553
