TOPIC UK- LOCAL BUSINESS MAGAZINE
http://topicuk.co.uk/ Topic UK is a local Stanley based Social Enterprise, who is doing tremendous work in supporting the local business community.

Andrea's  Article
Politicians often make the right noises about recognising the importance of businesses in creating wealth and jobs, but all too often then demonstrate that they have no real understanding of what they are talking about. I have spent over 15 years in management in the private sector including running my own business and I hope that I will not make that mistake. My priorities are to support in sustaining a strong local economy in the short, medium and long term. My plan has included being a voice for local businesses, trying to establish strong links between schools, educational institutes with businesses. To address the skills shortage by establishing what businesses need and that schools equip their students with the right skills making it an easier transition for school leavers to find employment.

In October 2014 the claimant count rate in Morley & Outwood was down by 48.3 per cent (2.3 per cent) compared to the month before the last election when the rate was 3.0 per cent. This is down to the efforts of local businesses and I want to do all I can to provide a support network for businesses in the area.   In February 2014, I formed the Morley and Outwood Business Association (MOBA) which has provided a voice for local business people to make their views known to local and national politicians, this has been attended by Francis Maude, William Hague and Chris Grayling who have all spoken with businesses to hear our views and I want this to develop into a support and mentoring platform for businesses. In October 2014 I organised a Jobs and Skills Fair in which 30 businesses exhibited and over 300 people attended and recently I launched the Business Skills survey that establishes the skills that local employers are looking for. Finally I want to set-up an executive panel of local business and educational leaders and other organisations to develop a business and economic plan for the constituency in the short, medium and long term. 

Figures released in November show that 1,000 businesses in Morley and Outwood are benefitting from the Government’s Employment Allowance since its introduction in April 2014, making it easier for businesses to hire staff and create jobs, however, there is still a lot more to do and I personally want to become a strong voice for businesses locally and to stand up and see further support regarding business rates, for business start-ups, less red-tape and employment law bureaucracy. By focusing locally on a strong economy we can ensure the future prosperity of our area and I believe that by open communication, collaborative working and joined-up thinking, we can go from strength to strength.
Our future economy is in your hands and I want to become a helping hand of support.

Andrea Jenkyns Conservative Prospective MP for Morley & Outwood