William Hague, the Foreign Secretary, visited Eastbourne on Friday to meet with Conservative Parliamentary Candidate Caroline Ansell, local business leaders and community activists.
Mr Hague, a former leader of the Conservative Party, and Mrs Ansell met with local businesspeople who are enjoying significant success in exporting their services to foreign markets. The main focus of discussion was how to reach new markets, the role of digital infrastructure and the need to unlock finance. Language, culture and relationship building also featured in the talks.
The UKTI (UK Trade & Investment), a body headed by Mr Hague, was praised for its support of local businesses looking to move into export, and the Foreign Secretary was questioned on what more could be done to encourage more local businesses to trade overseas.
Mrs Ansell said, ‘Earlier this year, I heard the Managing Director of Recruitment South East, Mandy Brook, address a business event hosted by The Chamber at Towner. Her story was inspiring. Her account of her ‘first steps’ of moving into the brave new world of export was a powerful, trail-blazing testimony. It was also inspiring to hear just how highly the British ‘brand’ is valued in other parts of the world.’
‘Introducing the Foreign Secretary to Mandy and to Brian and Adam from Lindon East, another local business enjoying serious success abroad, was again an excellent opportunity to put us on the map as a great place to do business.’
Whilst in Eastbourne the Foreign Secretary also met with members of the public engaging with the Conservatives’ EU ‘In/Out Referendum’. As before, results from the canvass reflected an incredibly high return of people strongly in favour of a referendum, whichever side of the argument they were on.
It was particularly significant that Mr Hague spoke with Lisa Smart, director of Mustard Seed Relief Mission. Lisa Smart said, ‘To be given the opportunity of discussing the situation in the Ukraine and talking about the impact of the unrest with regards to the humanitarian efforts of our charity with the Foreign Secretary was quite simply a dream come true.’
Mr Hague remarked, ‘'I was delighted to visit Eastbourne & Willingdon on Friday. This Government is committed to helping small and medium sized businesses grow and expand, and I was very impressed by the business leaders whom I met.’
‘And in Caroline Ansell the people of Eastbourne & Willingdon have a Parliamentary Candidate that understands the needs of local businesses and will stand up for their interests.'
‘With her deep roots in the local community I am confident that Caroline will make an excellent Member of Parliament.’
Mrs Ansell commented, ‘I was delighted to welcome Mr Hague to Eastbourne. This Government has a long-term economic plan and a big part of it is rebalancing the economy, building trade and supporting job creation.’