Stephen Metcalfe MP: Start Up Loans figures show Government support for entrepreneurs is working

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, has welcomed new figures that show the Government’s Start-Up Loans Scheme has helped 681 entrepreneurs in the South East set up their own business. Across the country 10,000 Start-Up Loans have now been awarded, worth a total of £50 million.

In South Basildon and Thurrock, over 30 loans have been approved to the combined value of £192,109

Mr Metcalfe commented: “Because of the financial crisis we inherited, people who want to set up a new business have often found it hard to get a loan. This has prevented people with ideas and aspiration from putting their business plans into action.”

“These recent figures show that Start-Up Loans are changing that - here in the South East £4,368,291 has been lent to 681 budding entrepreneurs. This will ensure that all their potential and ideas don’t go to waste.”

“New businesses are the lifeblood of a healthy economy, helping to create jobs and growth. That’s why we will keep supporting hardworking people who aspire to start their own businesses.” 

Stephen Metcalfe MP celebrates Parliament Week at Basildon Lower Academy

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, joined ‘gifted and talented’ students at Basildon Lower Academy this week for a question and answer session as part of the national Parliament Week Initiative.

The local MP was grilled by students on wide range of topics from his role as an MP to current policy issues.

Mr Metcalfe commented: “It was fantastic to visit the Lower Academy and hear the thoughts of the students. As well as explaining about my role as an MP I was asked difficult questions about the economy and the welfare system and was extremely impressed by their knowledge of, and engagement with, current affairs.”

The visit formed part of the Academy’s involvement with Parliament Week, a UK-wide programme of events and activities running from 15-21 November that inspire, engage, and connect people with Parliamentary democracy.

The local MP added: “Parliament week is a brilliant initiative that brings Parliament that bit closer to people up and down the country. I am delighted that Basildon Lower Academy got involved and I look to forward to seeing Parliament Week feature more prominently in South Basildon and East Thurrock next year.”  

For further information on Parliament Week and to find out about events near you please see: http://www.parliamentweek.org/

Stephen Metcalfe MP encourages constituents to nominate outstanding young volunteers

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, is encouraging constituents to nominate outstanding young volunteers for the annual vInspired National Awards.

Now in its 5^th year, the Awards, in association with RBS Early Careers, are the biggest of their kind, celebrating the achievements and dedication of young volunteers and the youth workers who support them.

This year, to acknowledge the rise of young entrepreneurs and the vInspired has added a new award for the “Most Outstanding Social Entrepreneur”. The categories are:

·         Best Young Volunteer

·         All Round Commitment to Volunteering

·         Bringing Communities Together

·         Team Activity

·         Outstanding Contribution by a Youth Worker

·         Most Outstanding NCS Team

·         Most Outstanding Social Entrepreneur

Winners will be rewarded with a star-studded awards ceremony, held at the Indig02 in London on 27th March next year, with performances from some of the best music talent. Past celebrity attendees have included Tinchy Stryder and The Saturdays as well as youth icons such as Katie Piper.

Mr Metcalfe commented: “There is an army of volunteers in South Basildon and East Thurrock who give up their time to help others and who work to make our community a better place. Many of these are young people and I would encourage anyone who benefits from their dedication to make a nomination. It would be a great way of celebrating their contribution and hard work and will also highlight to the others the great benefits that volunteering can bring.”

Terry Ryall, CEO of vInspired said, “We have seen some truly amazing nominations in past years and are always proud to put on a tear jerking, eye-opening award ceremony celebrating the great things that young volunteers up and down the country are doing in their community.

“So please think about the young people who inspire you, who give their time energy and passion to good causes in your community.  Or who have overcome a tough time themselves, and still want to help others.  They deserve a celebration, so tell us all about them so we can give them the party of a lifetime!” 

For more information or to nominate someone who inspires you, visit: www.vinspired.com/nationalawards. Nominations close on the 24^th November 2013.

Stephen Metcalfe MP joins residents for Christmas Lights Switch On

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock joined local residents to see the Christmas lights switched on in Basildon. 

He commented: “It was brilliant to see the Basildon Christmas Lights switched on. The turnout was absolutely fantastic and there was a great atmosphere with people young and old getting into the Christmas spirit. My thanks go to all those who have been involved in organising the lights and I hope that everyone will enjoy them in the run up to Christmas.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP celebrates the Best of British Innovation

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, recently attended the Institute of Physics’ (IOP) exhibition in Parliament in order to support the Institute’s Innovation Awards.

Hosted by the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, The Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable MP, the awards celebrate companies that have managed to successfully commercialise a physics-based innovation – contributing millions of pounds to the UK economy.

This year’s five winners were: Coherent Scotland Ltd, which has developed an ultrafast laser system for medical imaging; Tracerco Ltd, which has produced a leading gamma-radiation based tool for pipe measurement in the oil and gas industry; Zephir Ltd, which has designed a portable Light Detection and Ranging device that can assess a site’s suitability for a wind farm; Elekta Ltd, which has produced a beam-shaping device for targeted radiotherapy; and Simpleware Ltd, which has developed a software solution that converts 3-D images into high-quality computer models.

Local MP Mr Metcalfe commented: “It’s great to see innovative businesses that are helping to drive the UK economy being rewarded for their hard-work and original thinking by the IOP.”

“We have companies here that are researching high-tech medical treatments which are benefiting families in South Basildon and East Thurrock who have been impacted by illnesses like cancer – that’s physics with a real practical application.”

Dr Frances Saunders, President of the Institute of Physics, added, “Nearly ten per cent of the UK’s economic output is due to physics-based businesses like those being celebrated at the awards.  These companies show how the innovative application of physics research can create both world-changing technologies and successful businesses.”  

The IOP Innovation Awards are a unique celebration of commercial success built on physics.  To find out more about how physics is driving economic growth across the UK, including a regional breakdown, see the Importance of Physics to Economic Growth:  https://www.iop.org/publications/iop/2013/file_60318.pdf 

To learn more about the winning companies and for quotes from them visit: ttp://www.iop.org/activity/business/innovation/2013-winners/page_60481.html.

Stephen Metcalfe MP champions views of constituents at local Rail Summit

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, championed the views of local residents at his second Rail Summit this week, held at East Tilbury Library.

The Summit, organised and chaired by Mr Metcalfe, brought together key stakeholders and organisations to discuss local rail related issues such as level crossings throughout Thurrock and plans for a possible transport hub at Stanford-Le-Hope Station.

Among those in attendance were local rail providers C2C and Network Rail, community leaders including representatives from Thurrock Council, and members of the Stanford Forum.

The local MP presented attendees with a report containing the results of a survey on level crossings in East Tilbury that was sent to over 2,000 local residents. As a result, all parties have committed to working together to look into potential solutions to the problems at the crossing which primarily include limited access to emergency services and congestion when the barriers are down.

Mr Metcalfe commented: “Like earlier this year, the Rail Summit provided an excellent opportunity to air local concerns and to look cooperatively for potential solutions. Whilst there no quick fixes to many of the issues raised I was extremely pleased to see the wide array of parties come together to put local people at the heart of their future plans.”

“I would like to thank all those who responded to my survey on level crossings in East Tilbury and those who let me know their views by email or letter. I appreciate the strength of feeling that this issue engenders and I am committed to keeping the pressure on to find a solution. I will also look carefully at how a full feasibility study of the crossing might be undertaken.” 

“I would also like to thank all those who gave up their time to attend the Summit and contribute so constructively to the discussion. I look forward to continuing our work together in the future.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP kick starts the festive season at Orsett Churches Centre

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, kicked off the festive season with local residents at the St Giles and All Saints Christmas Bazaar at Orsett churches centre last weekend.

The annual Bazaar proved to be a great success with a good turnout. There was lots on offer to do and refreshments to enjoy with tombola’s, cake stalls, crafts, card stalls and a raffle, with tickets drawn by the local MP and Cllr Sue Little.

Mr Metcalfe commented: “This was a great way to start the run up to Christmas. There was lots for people of all ages to enjoy and participate in and looking around I could see that everyone enjoyed the Bazaar as much I did!” 

“I would like to thank all those who worked so hard to organise the event and to the volunteers who manned the many stalls and activities. In enjoying the moment it’s easy to forget that a great deal of effort and hard work has gone on behind the scenes and this has not gone unnoticed.”