MP focuses on enterprise in Skipton and Ripon

Julian has put the focus on enterprise and welcomed the leader of an influential national think tank to his Skipton and Ripon constituency.

Julian Smith MP and Andrew Haldenby with South Craven manufacturer British Hardwood’s Managing Directors Mark Rushworth and Tony Fillingham

He invited Andrew Haldenby, the Director of the independent think tank Reform, to a series of visits and meetings focused on discussing the challenges and opportunities of growing the rural economy.

They began the day (Wednesday 15 February) at Skipton Auction Mart where Julian Smith was hosting one of his drop-in MP Surgeries and discussing rural issues

They then travelled to South Craven to visit British Hardwoods, a growing manufacturer, and met with the company’s directors and discuss their work.

At lunchtime, the work of the Skipton and Ripon Enterprise Group was discussed during a meeting at the Broughton Hall Business Park. Co-founder Roger Tempest and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership Chairman Barry Dodd were among the guests.

The day concluded with a meeting with the Deputy Headteacher of Skipton Girls’ High School where the importance of teaching about enterprise and engineering, and the efforts taken by the school to promote it, were discussed.

Julian Smith MP and Andrew Haldenby at a lunch with representatives of the Skipton and Ripon Enterprise Group at Broughton Hall

Julian Smith MP said:

“As a rural constituency, the economy of Skipton and Ripon faces different challenges than more urban areas and I wanted the opportunity to highlight those issues on a national level by inviting Andrew Haldenby to come to North Yorkshire.

“The visits and discussions showed the excellent work being done by businesses, business leaders and teachers in our area to promote enterprise and growth both now and for the future.

“We should be proud of the efforts taking place to help get our economy back on track and I will continue to do all I can to ensure Government action supports those entrepreneurs and business owners who help create jobs and wealth for our communities.”