With a background in retail and a former manager of the local Yate store in Lidl, I am passionate about supporting our local businesses.
I was thrilled to have hosted my first disability jobs fair, bringing together disability charities and local businesses to help companies better accommodate employees who have disabilities by offering support and guidance. I have also hosted regular jobs fairs, held business roundtables and supported shops, pubs and restaurants throughout the COVID-19 recovery.
It was a proud moment to have organised a "Taste of South Gloucestershire event" in Parliament, showcasing the incredible local businesses we have in our area.
Our region has so much to offer the rest of the UK, so I am always looking at ways to proudly promote our community
As our local MP, I am delivering a Positive Plan for Jobs and the local economy, which includes:
1) Giving South Gloucestershire businesses, high streets, and farmers a bigger voice in Parliament
2) Hosting more business forums across the area
3) More Jobs Fairs, to help put our local talent in touch with local companies. Almost 450,000 apprenticeships have started in the South West since the Conservatives entered Government.
4) Protecting jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic, through the furlough scheme, self-employed income support, and a variety of Business Support Grants and the Bounce Back Loans.
As part of my Positive Plan for our area, I will continue to back South Gloucestershire’s vibrant and diverse business community.
EXPANDING SUPERFAST BROADBAND
Having a good Broadband connection is vital. Today, 98.9% percent of local homes now have access to this basic utility, but this is not enough. There are too many homes in places like Hawkesbury, Marshfield and the Severn villages that need better broadband.
For small businesses who support our rural economy, schoolchildren who need access to online resources for their homework, and for many others who simply want a decent speed of connection for online streaming or to order their weekly shop; connecting the final towns and villages is absolutely essential.
Battling for better broadband remains a key part of my Positive Plan. It means we will continue to push for the remaining homes in our most rural areas to be connected, continue to support Community Fibre Partnerships and continue to press for more funding to ensure that those final few properties are not left behind.
For more updates about Luke's Positive Plan for Broadband, please visit: https://www.lukehall.org.uk/news/positive-plan-update-broadband
