Inaugural awards around the corner

Alan Mak MP meets Senator Press Directors (Left to right) Zoe Fisher and Maureen Cocker

I organised these awards to celebrate and showcase the best local business and preparations are now in full swing.

Thanks to all News readers for their nominations.

It was great to hear Chancellor George Osborne add his congratulations to the 31 local finalists in Parliament last week.

Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and the Chancellor provided a huge confidence boost of confidence ahead of the ceremony.

The News is our media partner, and a full report on the event and our winners will appear next week.

The awards are also designed to encourage young people to get involved in business.

Thanks to the enthusiastic students at South Downs for helping with the awards, from filming a promotional video showcasing the awards, to helping with hospitality on the night.

Away from preparations for the ceremony, my other constituency work continues.

Last Friday, I launched my

new MP’s Youth Advisory Board which brings together students from local school and colleges every term to share their views on local and national issues with me.

Backing local businesses and employers is a high priority as local MP. It was great to meet family-run printers Senator Press.

The Havant-based firm have recovered remarkably after a fire last year, and exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit that makes our local businesses so great.

Supporting local schools is also a passion of mine, and I enjoyed meeting pupils at Purbrook Junior School’s breakfast club, which provides pupils with a wholesome meal before the school day starts.

I’m also working hard to keep Hayling’s household waste recycling centre, known as Hayling tip, open by lobbying Hampshire County Council who own it.

It’s a key part of our local infrastructure and a great resource for Islanders.

In Parliament, I praised the key role played by the Emsworth Business Association in promoting local tourism with initiatives such as the British Food Fortnight, and I had another meeting with the chief executive of Southern Health in Westminster to press for further improvements in the care they give.

Please sign up for my monthly newsletter via alanmak.org.uk