Stephen Metcalfe MP visits The Business Association

Stephen Metcalfe, Member of Parliament for South Basildon & East Thurrock, has met with members of The Business Association of Basildon and District to listen to the concerns of local businesses and discuss how they can be further supported.

Stephen Metcalfe MP (right) with TBA chairman
Alan Osborn (centre) and Caroline Gerrard
from Essex-based charity Peaceful Place. (Credit: TBA)

The Business Association, chaired by Alan Osborn, welcomes all types of business from the self-employed to the largest employers and includes members from a wide range of sectors including accountancy, web design, and security.

The lunch meeting took place at Club Kingswood in Basildon and a variety of issues were discussed including current Government policy and the forthcoming EU referendum.

Mr Metcalfe said: "I enjoyed the chance to visit The Business Association and talk to its members, whose businesses form the backbone of our local Basildon economy.

"The recent tax reforms introduced by the Conservative government will help Basildon's businesses to grow. The government must continue to ensure that local businesses receive the necessary support to thrive and create more jobs."

He added: "It is also clear that the EU referendum is a hot topic of conversation for businesspeople in the local area.

"This will be the biggest decision for business in a generation and I believe that although there might be some short-term risks in leaving the EU, businesses like those represented by The Business Association could see long-term benefits, and I was pleased to see that the majority present seemed to agree.

"Ultimately however it is for the British public to carefully consider the arguments on both sides and make a final decision on 23 June and vote in the interests of themselves, their family, our country and of course, in this case, their business."

Stephen Metcalfe MP opens new site for dBD Communications

Stephen Metcalfe, Member of Parliament for South Basildon & East Thurrock, opened local business dBD Communications' third site in Basildon.

dBD Communications is a fast-growing company, specialising in Audio Communications with RF and Microwave solutions.

dBD works with large organisations such as Network Rail by developing safety communications systems, and has experienced continued growth since it was created in 2002, now employing over 40 people locally.

Mr Metcalfe said: "It was great to be invited to share in the continued success of dBD Communications and to help open their new facility.

"Businesses like dBD are the backbone of our local and national economy, and are driving us forward by creating jobs and apprenticeships."

He added: "It is crucial for government to provide a stable environment for business growth and investment, and I was pleased to see tax reduction measures in the recent Budget that will make a difference to local companies like dBD."