News / Social enterprise
Sajid Javid back in ‘home town’ of Bristol
New business secretary Sajid Javid spoke of his childhood helping to run his parents’ clothes shop on Stapleton Road as he announced plans to slash red tape for small businesses by £10 billion.
Returning to Bristol for his maiden speech in his new role, the emerging Tory poster boy released details of the Enterprise Bill, set to be included in the Queen’s Speech.
He promised to remove “irrelevant” regulations to help small business which he called the “engine room” of British industry.
Speaking to business owners at the Engine Shed, Temple Meads, the former Deutche Banker said he was returning to his “home town” where he “learned almost everything important about business”.
He revealed that his mother and father’s clothes shop was the “soul of the family” during his childhood, adding: “I know what it is like to run a small business”.
Among the key parts of the new bill were plans to challenge European regulations and extend the rules of Primary Authority. He also pledged to clamp down on unfair payment terms for small businesses and continue with plans to set up a Small Business Conciliation Service.
His announcements came with a promise to “continue rolling back the state”.
In a question and answer session after his speech he was also challenged on the Government’s devolution plans – by mayor George Ferguson.
The mayor asked if there was scope for a Great Western Powerhouse – stretching from “Swindon to Swansea” – in the government proposals.
Javid replied: “What we are seeing in the North, and in particular in Manchester, is local authorities which work closely together and show a remarkable partnership.”
He said this partnership was the reason an offer had been made by George Osbourne for more power, funding and control to the so-called Northern Powerhouse.
He added: “That offer is open to other parts in England as well. If other authorities want to come forward and put together plans then we will listen to that.”
Read more about how Bristol may gain more powers through devolution here.
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