Purnell seeks local solution

NORTH West MP and Cabinet minister James Purnell is organising a fourm to help businesses defy the recession.

The Hyde and Stalybridge MP, who is also Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, is inviting firms of all sizes to join business support organisations at the event at the Stalybridge civic centrel on March 6.

Mr Purnell said: “We know that many business are finding the current trading conditions tough. The government has already brought in a number of initiatives and programmes to give businesses additional support.

“As a government we will continue to offer help and advice wherever we can. But not all of the problems can be solved at government level. Through this event we want to make sure businesses know what help is available and how they can access it.

“We also want to give businesses a chance to air the specific problems they are having, to see if there are local solutions that could be implemented to help them.”

Officals from the North West Development Agency, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Tameside Council are also attending.

Any business that has not yet registered but who would like to attend can find out more information by contacting Mr Purnell’s constituency office on 0161 367 8077 or at purnellj@parliament.uk