Fife MPs Discuss Local Economic Growth at Commerce Roundtable

Melanie Ward MP and Richard Baker MP met with business leaders from across the region to discuss ways to drive economic growth right here in Fife.

The Fife Chamber of Commerce has supported the local business landscape for over 200 years. It allows for local entrepreneurs and innovators to make meaningful connections which help to facilitate economic growth – delivering more jobs and boosting the profile of Fife on the national stage.

On Friday 14 November, at their most recent roundtable, Fife MP’s Melanie Ward and Richard Baker attended to discuss opportunities and challenges with local business figures. They spoke about many key issues affecting businesses in the area, including skills, planning, and mental health.

The roundtable was an opportunity for business to meet with policy makers and discuss the challenges facing industry, as local employers collaborated on how to grow the economy across the region.

The value of the relationship between elected representatives and local business cannot be understated, and the roundtable was an important opportunity for businesses to discuss Westminster policy with Melanie and Richard.

The Fife Chamber of Commerce, Melanie, and Richard, have expressed how they feel the roundtable was an extremely valuable experience, and should be repeated regularly to maintain the important dialogue between the local MPs and business leaders right here in Fife.

Richard Baker MP said:

“It’s hugely important for me to listen to businesses and learn directly from sector leaders what issues they face and what support they require from me, as their MP.

“Businesses are the backbone of Fife’s economy. Here in Glenrothes and Mid Fife alone there are around 1770 businesses, many of them involved in manufacturing – at just under 18%, it’s over double the UK average.

“I’ve personally visited many local businesses – including major employers - since becoming an MP and regularly communicate with the Treasury on their behalf."

He added:

“I welcomed the opportunity to take part in the Chamber of Commerce roundtable.

“Open, honest discussion with Fife’s business leaders is essential going forward, and I hope these roundtable meetings become a regular event.”

Fife Chamber of Commerce President Colin Brown said:

“The members of Fife Chamber of Commerce who attended the meeting were able to bring the real life challenges they and their businesses face from decisions which are made at Westminster to the attention of the Fife MPs. The hope on the part of the Chamber is that these meetings will become a regular fixture to allow the business community of Fife to be well represented by our MPs”

Melanie Ward MP said:

“It was great to join fellow Fife MPs at a roundtable with the Fife Chamber of Commerce, who have been dedicated to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and community success across our region for over 200 years.

“The Chamber plays a vital role in helping businesses network, collaborate, and integrate – creating jobs, attracting investment, and putting Fife on the national stage.

“This was a great opportunity to hear from business leaders on how we can work together to deliver economic growth for Fife.

“Thank you to all the members for sharing your ideas and helping us grow our local economy and community together. I look forward to our next meeting.”