HERTFORD SUBCONTRACTOR HOSTS MINISTER'S FOURTH DAY OF 'WORK EXPERIENCE'

24th Jan 2011 (10:26:31) by Nick Groom

HERTFORD SUBCONTRACTOR HOSTS MINISTER'S FOURTH DAY OF 'WORK EXPERIENCE'

Business and Enterprise Minister, Mark Prisk, who is also Conservative MP for Hertford and Stortford, spent most of Thursday 20th January in his local constituency learning about the rewards and challenges of SMEs (small and medium sized enterprises) in the precision turned parts manufacturing sector.

Nick Groom, managing director of subcontractor Qualiturn Products, located on the Mead Lane Industrial Estate in Hertford, was chosen to provide the Minister with an insight into this important sector of British manufacturing. It was Mr Prisk's fourth day working with small businesses around the country.

SMEs are the backbone of our economy, accounting for 99 per cent of all UK enterprise and 50 per cent of private sector employment. It is for this reason that the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills is so keen to gain in-depth knowledge on the day-to-day experiences of companies like Qualiturn and how Government can help such firms to prosper and grow.

Due in part, perhaps, to Mr Prisk being on home turf, he spent nearly the whole day with Nick Groom. Topics of discussion were extensive, ranging from capital allowances, business rates and the extension of the Enterprise Finance Guarantee facility, through the relative merits of banking practices in different countries and the threat of overseas competition, to the greater role that colleges could play in nurturing apprentices.

A conversation about the burden of today's high fuel prices on businesses led to the Minister describing Britain's leading role in electric car technology, a subject in which he takes keen interest.

Mr Prisk commented, "My day working with Qualiturn Products has given me more invaluable experience and has emphasised the fantastic work going on at small businesses all over the country.

"This month I set out a number of ways the Government will create the right long-term environment to help many more people start and grow their businesses. Today has underlined why this is so important.

"Spending the day with one of Britain's hard working small companies has left me even more convinced that together we can make the coming years the most entrepreneurial in our history."

Mr Groom responded, "We are delighted to welcome Mark Prisk in his capacities as both Business and Enterprise Minister and our local MP.

"Qualiturn doubled in size at the end of last year in terms of factory space and it is pleasing that Mr Prisk has been able to see the progress we have made since he opened our current premises six years ago.

"Following difficult trading in 2009, we surged ahead last year to our highest ever turnover, despite the cost of nickel- and copper-based raw materials being at a record high.

"Now that Government seems to be taking a real interest in the factors that promote and curtail businesses like ours, hopefully we can look forward to a renaissance in UK manufacturing in the years ahead."

Back to business for Mark Prisk

26th Aug 2010 (07:09:50) by Nick groom

Mark Prisk confirms Qualiturn

Mark Prisk MP for Hertford & Stortford, in his capacity as the Minister with responsibility for small businesses and enterprise, is seeking the opportunity to work for two local businesses in the coming months. The aim is to better understand the practical realities for businesses.

As part of a week of work experience with small businesses around the country, Mark Prisk has reserved two days to spend with two local businesses in his constituency. He is hoping to spend one day with a manufacturing business and one day with a service business.

Mark Prisk is this week writing to local business organisations in his constituency and has set up a special section on his website to receive enquiries.

Mark said: “It’s nearly ten years since I last ran my business, so I need to better understand the current issues affecting small firms, if I am to be an effective Minister with responsibility for enterprise. After all, nothing is better than direct experience.”

“I am keen to spend two of my five working days with local businesses here in the constituency. We have many successful small businesses here and I look forward to hearing from local businesses who would be able to help me gain this practical experience.”

Mark Prisk confirms Qualiturn

Local MP visits Qualiturn stand

24th Jun 2010 (15:46:16) by Nick Groom