Business association receives praise from MPs in parliament

Havant MP Alan Mak spoke of the key role played by the Emsworth Business Association and he was joined in his praise by tourism minister David Evennett.

Mr Mak hailed the EBA’s efforts to raise Emsworth’s profile and increase tourist numbers.

The Havant MP has shown his support for the Emsworth Business Association at events such as Emsworth’s Food Fortnight.

Mr Mak said: ‘The Emsworth Business Association is an outstanding community group that does brilliant work promoting all that Emsworth offers, from vibrant small businesses to areas of outstanding natural beauty. I was proud to cite the EBA in Parliament as an example for others around Britain to follow.’

Giles Babb, chairman of the EBA and owner of Emsworth’s Blue Bell Inn, said: ‘All of this has been achieved through the enthusiasm of local people who were willing to think ‘outside the box’ and come up with ideas that capture the imagination; the success they have had so far is testament to their outstanding efforts.’

Emsworth was the UK’s first red nose town during Comic Relief 2015 and it also won the national ‘Bring Home The Harvest’ award. The town has a monthly farmers’ market and the Emsworth Business Association continues to drive initiatives to help the mainly independent shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants on the high street to thrive.