• Swindon & Wiltshire Economy
• Thursday March 28 2024
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Wiltshire businesswoman meets Prime Minister at SME conference

Wiltshire businesswoman Debbie Williams has met with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to talk about the needs of SMEs in the county.

Debbie, co-founder of John Williams Heating Services and recently-appointed member of the newly-established government-led Small Business Council, met the PM at the SME Connect conference.

This Small Business Council serves as a platform for SMEs, bringing together companies from diverse sectors such as food & drink, trades, manufacturing, and beauty.

Its primary objective is to actively listen to the concerns and perspectives of small and medium-sized enterprises and present them to the Government.

Attendees of the conference witnessed the announcement of a reform initiative by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, aiming to promote a more conducive environment for SMEs to flourish.

The PM said: “Whether it’s breaking down barriers and red tape for small businesses, helping businesses hire more young people into apprenticeships and skilled jobs, or empowering women to start up their own businesses – this government is sticking to the plan and leaving no stone unturned to make the UK the best place to do business.”

The reform package includes various measures, such as investing £60 million to create up to 20,000 extra apprenticeships, with a special emphasis on helping young people and small businesses.

Debbie said: “I appreciate the announcement regarding apprenticeships made by the Prime Minister.

“The commitment to apprenticeships is a step in the right direction. The initiative will encourage employers to adopt apprenticeships as an effective method to upskill their workforces.”