New Business Club Launches With Shadow Chancellor
The Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Sir Mel Stride, visited Telford and Wrekin to launch a new business club for the area. The event on 26th September saw Sir Mel at Hortonwood meeting local business owners.
He took hard questions on the economy and unemployment. Sir Mel reaffirmed the need to back those who create the wealth needed to pay for public services.
He was joined by the Rt Hon Mark Pritchard MP, Cllr Rachael Tyrrell, and Cllr Andrew Eade. Guests from the local business community, from Halesfield up to Newport, were also there.
Cllr Tyrrell, who organised the event, was pleased with the turnout. She said: “I was delighted to welcome Sir Mel to Telford & Wrekin. Our small and medium businesses are the lifeblood of our local economy, and it’s vital that their voice is heard at the highest level of our Party.”
She added that the visit showed “Conservatives in Telford & Wrekin are serious about fighting for lower taxes, fairer regulation, and stronger support for enterprise.”
Cllr Eade spoke about the party’s core values. He said: “Sir Mel gave a powerful reminder that Conservatives understand the importance of work, aspiration, and responsibility.”
He continued: “A future Conservative Government must do more to get people off welfare and into employment, and to relieve the crippling tax burden currently facing small businesses. Only then can we unlock growth and prosperity for communities like ours.”
Local business representatives echoed these concerns. They joined Sir Mel’s criticism of Labour’s Chancellor, Rachel Reeves. This focused particularly on the rise in Employers’ National Insurance Contributions.
Several voiced fears about what may come in November’s Autumn Statement. They warned that additional tax rises could stifle growth and job creation.
Sir Mel Stride reaffirmed his commitment to backing business. He pledged that a future Conservative Government would “be on the side of those who take risks, create jobs, and drive prosperity in boroughs like Telford & Wrekin.”
Karen Woodcock, Director at All About Newport Ltd, spoke highly of the event. She said: “It was great to connect with fellow business leaders. These events are essential for strengthening the local network and supporting each other’s growth – sharing best practice and ideas.”
