Peterborough business leaders to quiz new MP as UK ends EU membership

Conservative MP Paul Bristow, who secured the city seat with a majority of 2,580 votes in December, will be making his first appearance at Opportunity Peterborough’s (OP) regular Bondholder breakfast on January 31 - the day the UK leaves the European Union after a 47 year partnership.

Mr Bristow is likely to face questions ranging from the future for business as the UK enters a year-long transitional period in its departure from the EU to Government plans to tackle the headache of business rates.

He said: “I’m delighted to talk to the local business community.

“Understanding their challenges and priorities is important in Parliament, and it’s important locally, to ensure Peterborough’s economy continues to grow.

“Part of that is about seeing Brexit as an opportunity, not a threat. There are national choices ahead and I want us to support our businesses when we make them.

“There are also great local opportunities, as we regenerate and revitalise our city.”

Tom Hennessy, chief executive of Opportunity Peterborough, said: “We’re really pleased that Mr Bristow has made himself available to the local business community.

“Peterborough has an extremely diverse economy and whilst this helps the city navigate declines and uplifts in different industries, it also means we have a broad set of challenges and opportunities that need serious consideration and action to keep Peterborough’s economy strong.

“We’re moving towards a digitised, knowledge intensive economy where we need the right skills and infrastructure in place.

“Government can be a big facilitator of innovation, skills development and empowering business growth, and engaging with a local MP can help central powers develop policies that deliver large-scale, positive economic growth.”

At the same event, accountants Baldwins will launch the annual Greater Peterborough Business Survey 2020.

Now in its seventh year, the survey measures business confidence and performance. The results will be discussed at the following Bondholder Breakfast on April 29.

Mark Jackson, partner at Baldwins, said the survey measures confidence and performance of local organisations and brings to light the challenges and opportunities facing the economy.

There will also be a round-up of business developments across the city from Mr Hennessy.

The meeting is at Orton Hall Hotel, in Orton Longueville, starting at 7.30am with networking and refreshments.

The event is for members of OP’s Bondholder Network. For more details about the network email [email protected].