MP Maria Miller welcomed the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Liz Truss to Basingstoke.
Maria and the Minister visited Basingstoke College of Technology (BCOT) where they met with students, employers offering apprenticeships and discussed the new T Levels and Maths Qualifications.
BCOT Principal Anthony Bravo explained how local employers both support Apprenticeships and provide valuable insight into the key skills required in the workforce.
Maria then accompanied the Minister to the Basingstoke Business and Enterprise Forum(BBEF) where the Minister addressed local Businesses and answered questions. Topics included Flexible working, Brexit and the importance of SME’s to the economy.
Highlighting the latest figures that show employment in Basingstoke and Deane is now approaching 88 per cent – one of the highest rates in the country – Liz Truss emphasised that new jobs in technology and start-up businesses are key to driving economic growth.
The Minister then visited Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, where she was briefed by the Council Leader Clive Sanders and Chief Executive Mel Barrett, on the growth strategy for Basingstoke.
The Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Liz Truss, commented:
“I was struck during my visit by how much appetite there is to build on the jobs boom that Basingstoke has experienced since 2010. Jobs and investment in technology and start-up business will be key to this.
“Basingstoke and the surrounding area is already home to billions of pounds of exports.”
Maria Miller MP commented;
“ It was wonderful to welcome the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Liz Truss to Basingstoke and showcase the excellent opportunities offered to students at BCOT. The Business Forum also demonstrated the importance of SME’s to the economy and I am struck by how much Basingstoke has to offer in both in terms of economic and employment opportunities. “