On Monday 30th July I welcomed Andrew Jones MP to Stirling. Andrew is the Conservative Party's vice-chair, with responsibility for business engagement amongst other things.
Andrew came to Stirling in his role as VC for business to hear from local businesses here, their challenges and opportunities and what the Government can do to make the lives of business owners easier.
We visited two of our local businesses. The Toy Hub, owned by Gerard and Helen and Safe Paws Doggy Daycare Centre owned by Shirley. The Toy Hub has two sites, one in Dunblane and the other in Bridge of Allan. Like many small businesses they have grand designs to expand their company, but are being held back by business rates which make it difficult to open more premises.
Safe Paws is located in Springkerse. Many Springkerse businesses have raised concerns about the closure of the Kerse road bridge, and Safe Paws is no exception. Shirley also raised concerns about limitations in the Dog daycare industry, which has grown exponentially in the USA but is not quite living up to full potential here.
With both of these excellent businesses visited, Andrew has learned a lot more about these particular industries, which he can take back to the policymaking department of the Government.