Earlier today I took Shadow Foreign Secretary William Hague with me on a visit to Wells Spiral Tubes, a renowned manufacturing firm based in Keighley.
Hosted by their larger than life and extremely wise Managing Director Philip Wells, it was an education in the problems facing SMEs and, in particular, manufacturers in today’s Britain.
What stuck most in my mind was Philip’s comment that he was not opposed to regulation – just unnecessary regulation. To illustrate, he explained that his forklift drivers must now undergo a training course every two years on how to operate their vehicles – despite some of them having been behind the wheel for more than three decades.
A very large proportion of these silly regulations come from Europe where our Government has gained a reputation for being a “soft touch.” Not only do Labour Ministers not seek to resist some of the most ridiculous laws from Brussels – they often make them even tougher for our businesses to comply with, a practice known as “gold-plating.”
This morning’s visit was one of a series to local firms I will be undertaking over the coming months to find out more about life at the sharp end of business in Keighley and Ilkley. I will keep you informed on my progress through this blog.
By the way, a quick word of thanks to William Hague who continues to be a very strong supporter of my campaign. He never fails to impress everyone he meets wherever he goes in the country, but particularly in Yorkshire. I look forward to welcoming him back to Keighley and Ilkley once again in the very near future.
Hosted by their larger than life and extremely wise Managing Director Philip Wells, it was an education in the problems facing SMEs and, in particular, manufacturers in today’s Britain.
What stuck most in my mind was Philip’s comment that he was not opposed to regulation – just unnecessary regulation. To illustrate, he explained that his forklift drivers must now undergo a training course every two years on how to operate their vehicles – despite some of them having been behind the wheel for more than three decades.
A very large proportion of these silly regulations come from Europe where our Government has gained a reputation for being a “soft touch.” Not only do Labour Ministers not seek to resist some of the most ridiculous laws from Brussels – they often make them even tougher for our businesses to comply with, a practice known as “gold-plating.”
This morning’s visit was one of a series to local firms I will be undertaking over the coming months to find out more about life at the sharp end of business in Keighley and Ilkley. I will keep you informed on my progress through this blog.
By the way, a quick word of thanks to William Hague who continues to be a very strong supporter of my campaign. He never fails to impress everyone he meets wherever he goes in the country, but particularly in Yorkshire. I look forward to welcoming him back to Keighley and Ilkley once again in the very near future.
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