Maya Ellis MP champions Lancashire businesses in Westminster meeting with Business Secretary

Ribble Valley MP Maya Ellis has met with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds, to raise the concerns of local business owners and discuss how national policy can better support small and medium-sized firms across the constituency.

The meeting, held in Westminster, gave Mrs Ellis the chance to put Ribble Valley businesses front and centre, relaying views from retailers, manufacturers, farmers, and entrepreneurs who are working hard to keep the local economy thriving.

It follows a series of events and business visits across Ribble Valley, Lancashire, and the wider North West over recent months.

Visits by Mrs Ellis include Baxi and Bowker Group, both in Bamber Bridge, Massey Feeds in Walton Le Dale, Eight at Gazegill in Gisburn, Panthera Biopartners and Lancashire and Cumbria Institute of Technology, both in Fulwood, James’ Places in Whalley, Daniel Thwaites’ Ribble Valley Brewery in Mellor Brook, Goodshaw Farm in Knowle Green and BAE Systems in Samlesbury.

Mrs Ellis has also been hearing from companies at events including the Downtown in Business’ Leaders Lunch in Mellor Brook and a technology business roundtable in Preston attended by representatives from Seriun, Interact Digital, Sairo, Teleplan Forsberg, Fuuse, Knight Frank and Plexal.

Speaking after the meeting, Mrs Ellis said: “It was great to sit down with Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Small Business Minister Gareth Thompson to talk about the real-world issues our local firms are facing - and the opportunities they see for growth if they’re backed by the right policies.

“We discussed the government’s forthcoming Industrial Strategy and how it can reflect the needs of regions like ours. I pressed for simpler procurement rules to help local SMEs win public sector contracts, more investment into Lancashire, and stronger local powers over skills and infrastructure through the devolution deal.

“We also touched on how we can modernise the school curriculum to encourage creativity, problem-solving and entrepreneurship from a young age - key skills for the economy of tomorrow.

“I was encouraged that both ministers welcomed the feedback and recognised how important regional perspectives are in shaping policy that works for everyone.”

Mrs Ellis will continue to visit businesses across Ribble Valley. She encouraged others to contact her constituency office to share their views or register interest in future events. 

“Having productive conversations with the doers on the ground is one of the best parts of my job,” she said. “These are the voices of people creating jobs and driving our local economy. I’ll keep working closely with Ribble Valley businesses to ensure they’re not just heard - but supported.”