Three main parties to take part in business hustings

The three main political parties will be represented at a hustings style General Election business briefing in Chesterfield next week.

Chamber research reveals that regional businesses have conquered initial fears over Brexit, and have demonstrated adaptability and flexibility under challenging circumstances. However, it is important that the understandable preoccupation with Brexit does not come at the expense of a number of other domestic concerns that firms still have on a variety of topical issues.

Against a backdrop of prevailing uncertainty inhibiting investment intentions, the aim of this session is to enable each party to clearly articulate what it stands for on a broad range of operating issues affecting the day-to-day activities of firms across the region.

Candidates confirmed to attend so far are Toby Perkins (Labour) , Nigel Mills (Conservative) and Tom Snowdon (LibDem) have all confirmed they will take part in the East Midlands Chamber and Destination Chesterfield hosted event.

Many local businesses, covering a cross section in terms of sector and size, are expected to attend the event to question candidates about where they stand on Brexit, support for business growth, jobs creation and security and the wider regional economy.

Chris Hobson, the Chamber’s Director of Policy, said:-

“There are many domestic issues that risk being shunted into the sidings as negotiations for Brexit and trade agreements with the rest of the world grab centre stage in politics.

“But it’s important that momentum is not lost in these matters and businesses, quite rightly, will be seeking assurances from electoral candidates that they will not let them get sidelined.”

The free event will be held at East Midlands Chamber’s office at Commerce House, Millenium Way, Dunston Road, Chesterfield from 5pm to 6.30pm on Thursday 18 May. If you are a local business and would like to be involved click here to book.