Matthew Hancock, Minister for Business, Enterprise and Energy, visited the Isles of Scilly on Monday as part of his round nation tour of 100 businesses in 100 days. Having been across the country from Aberdeen to Brighton, Brecon and now Hugh Town, he has met businesses large and small. These include Rolls Royce in Lancashire, Ricardo in Farnborough, a fish and chip shop in Brighton and now, Phoenix Stained Glass Studio at the Porthmellon Industrial Estate and other retailers in Hugh Town.
On the day that the Small Business Manifesto was launched by the Prime Minister in London, Matt came from London to the Isles of Scilly to take the message of enterprise and support for small businesses to all corners of the country.
Matt said, "Securing the recovery in our economy and supporting small business is an essential part of our plan to provide a more secure future. I am very pleased to have had the chance to come to the Isles of Scilly and meet some business owners here, especially as the local economy thrives on the hard work and effort of those businesses. The Conservative Party must win 23 seats in order to form a majority, including those like St Ives which covers West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Derek Thomas is already proving himself to be a powerful voice for West Cornwall, ensuring that local priorities, like the need for well paying skilled jobs, are brought to ministers' attention. I am sure that he will be an even more powerful voice as your local MP."
Derek Thomas, who organised the visit said, "I was keen for Matt to join me on St Mary's because small businesses are essential to island life. Whilst life on the Isles of Scilly may seem removed from Westminster, decisions made in London have a significant impact for people living here. If elected, I will work hard to ensure that more red-tape is cut and more is done to help small businesses thrive."
Derek and his wife Tamsin, spent two days campaigning on the Isles of Scilly, including histing Derek's 'Meet the Candidate' meetings on St Mary's and Tresco.