The Island’s MP, Andrew Turner, spoke in the House of Commons yesterday about the very large number of small and micro companies on the Island.
During it he criticised the newly-formed Solent LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership) for “excluded representation on its board from small businesses, including the Federation of Small Businesses.”
The Solent LEP was formed in October 2010, saying that it was, “driven by the business community”, “supported by four university partners, the further education sector, three unitary authorities, eight district councils and the voluntary and community sector”.
“Rather short-sighted”
Labelling the current approach of the Solent LEP, “rather short-sighted,” the MP said, “I am worried that the voices of small and micro-businesses will not be heard. I hope that the Solent area LEP will find a remedy for that omission soon.”
Andrew Turner pointed out that of the 6,000 businesses on the Island, 87% have less than 10 employees – equating to 5,220 small businesses on the Isle of Wight.
VB attempted to contact the Solent LEP, but at the time of publishing, haven’t heard back.
Read the rest of what Andrew Turner had to say.
