Essex Members of Parliament have been strong supporters of the Keep Trade Local campaign with many of them signing the petition.

Keep Trade Local Ambassadors

Essex FSB (Federation of Small Businesses) has praised Witham MP Priti Patel for being the first in the county to sign an FSB Charter to become a Keep Trade Local Ambassador.

Ms Patel signed the Charter in June 2010.

As ambassador of Keep Trade Local MP, Priti Patel, has pledged to:

• Forever remember that small businesses are at the heart of communities
• Support small businesses in her constituency
• Bring the small business voice to Parliament

Essex FSB representative for Witham, Ian Cass, said: "Essex FSB is delighted that Priti is the first MP in the county to agree to become a Keep Trade Local Ambassador and we look forward to working with her to promote this campaign so we can retain some of the character that makes Witham such a pleasant place in which to live, work and shop."

Witham MP, Priti Patel, said: "Small businesses are vital to our economy and it is imperative we recognise their importance to our high streets and to pulling the UK into recovery.

"The FSB's Keep Trade Local campaign highlights the significance small firms have in the local community – they aren't just part of the local community, but they are the local community.

"The UK is driven by small firms that make up 99 per cent of all UK businesses - they are the engine growth for job creation.

"But far too many of our cities and towns are creating ‘Clone Town Britain'. As ambassador for this campaign I agree with Essex FSB that we need to stand up as a united voice and together we will tell the Government, to Keep Trade Local."

Witham MP Priti Patel signs the Charter to become an FSB Keep Trade Local Ambassador.

South Basildon and East Thurrock  MP Stephen Metcalfe signs the Charter to become an FSB Keep Trade Local Ambassador watched by National FSB Policy Chairman, Mike Cherry, Essex FSB Chairman Iain Wicks and Essex FSB Secretary David Miles.

Harlow MP Robert Halfon signs the Charter to become an FSB Keep Trade Local Ambassador watched by Essex FSB Chairman Iain Wicks, National FSB Policy Chairman, Mike Cherry and Essex FSB Secretary David Miles

Castle Point MP Rebecca Harris signs the Charter to become an FSB Keep Trade Local Ambassador watched by Essex FSB Chairman Iain Wicks, East of England FSB Policy Unit Chairman Michael Mealing and National FSB Policy Chairman, Mike Cherry. 

Southend West MP David Amess signs the Charter to become an FSB Keep Trade Local Ambassador

Vince Cable MP Supports Campaign

Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor Vince Cable MP and Colchester MP Bob Russell signed the petition during a meeting at Colchester.

Bob Russell is Secretary of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Small Shops.

Also pictured are Essex FSB Secretary David Miles, Chairman Iain Wicks and Colchester Borough Councillor Paul Smith.

Keep Trade Local Petition

Harlow MP Robert Halfon signed the Keep Trade Local petition when he visited the Essex FSB stand at the Harlow Business Exhibition, watched by Tina Dulieu and Ivor Guthrie of Essex FSB..

Parliamentary Small Shops Group Chairman Backs Campaign

Southend West MP David Amess, who is also Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Small Shops, signed the petition when he visited the Good For Leigh campaign launch. Also pictured is then Essex FSB Regional Organiser Keith Brown.

Latest News

For the latest news on this issue go to Essex News and insert "Keep Trade Local" in the search engine.

Comments

If you have comments on this issue please send your views to Essex FSB Development Manager, Keith Brown.