Stockport businessman Tony Hughes, Chief Executive of Hughes Safety Showers, has accepted an invitation to join the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Trade and Investment as a member of the Advisory Panel.
Tony Hughes – Hughes Safety Showers
The APPG is supported by all political parties and
includes members of the House of Commons and
House of Lords as well as representatives from
industry and commerce.
The invitation to join the Group followed a
presentation made by Tony to business owners and
MPs at the inaugural meeting of the ‘Get Britain
Trading Campaign 2012′. Organised by the Forum for
Private Business, the meeting took place at the
Houses of Parliament and amongst those attending
was Margot James MP, Chair of the APPG for Trade
and Investment.
The APPG is another important initiative designed to help Britain’s economic recovery. Its remit is to research and inform debate over how best to support British exporters, particularly small and medium sized manufacturing businesses. It will explore ways to encourage foreign direct investment into the UK, promote trade and facilitate dialogue between parliamentarians, industry and government at home and abroad.
It will also work closely with trade representatives and bodies such as UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) and UK Export Finance.
“Small and medium size enterprises are the backbone of British industry,” said Tony Hughes following meetings attended by more than 50 people from Parliament and business. “I’m enjoying contributing to the research and debate, drawing on our experience as a successful manufacturing company. The challenges we face are not unique so hopefully others will be able to benefit from the strategies we have employed to continue growing the business.
Margot James, Chair of the APPG for Trade & Investment, added: “I am delighted that this new All Party Parliamentary Group is now launched. Trade and investment is a crucial area for parliamentarians to focus on, especially in the current economic climate. We have strong cross-party support from both Houses, as well as many outside organisations, committed to making our work a success.”