Havant in competitive race for success

Havant MP Alan Mak says Havant must not fall behind in innovation and entrepreneurship

Life isn’t always a sprint, but the reality is that the Havant area is in a competitive race for success.

We’re competing against our regional neighbours, and against other towns and cities for jobs, investment and visitors.

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So, as 2016 begins, as your local MP, I’m working hard to ensure our area keeps winning.

We’re doing well, but we need to stay fit both economically, and in my case, physically!

We all have a role to play, and our community spirit is one of our greatest strengths.

I was gladly reminded of this last weekend when I donned by trainers to take part in Parkrun, a popular 5km run through Staunton County Park.

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Organised by local volunteers, over 200 residents turn up every week to get fit and meet new people.

I completed the course in 35 minutes.

The same spirit was evident at Hayling’s United Reform Church where I dropped in on their Saturday afternoon charity jumble sale full of bargains.

Our future prosperity depends on the Havant area being a great place to get a job, build a career, and start a business or build an existing one.

We must not get left behind in terms of innovation and entrepreneurship.

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Two good examples: Emsworth’s Old Pharmacy, led by Patrick Leppard, now offer an electronic prescription service while the Meridian Centre’s manager Rob Fryer has worked hard to secure new business tenants like Skoolkit and Ink World. Both moved in to share in Havant’s success.

Local people and businesses are not resting on their laurels. and neither am I.

Over 800 people are looking for a job in our area, and I’m determined to help them by working with Havant Job Centre Plus who I visited last week.

They do a great job giving training and advice. Job Centre manager Leone Hill and her team are backing my free Havant jobs and apprenticeships fair on Friday, February 19 at Warblington School from 10am-4m.

We’ll formally launch it in the News next week.

Lots of employers have already signed up, so save the date.

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My next drop-in surgery is this Friday at Bedhampton Social Hall from4.45pm-6.15pm.

Prior registration is not needed.

Thanks to residents for all of your continuing support and enjoy the rest of your week.

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