Iain Stewart MP joined a roundtable discussion with businesses, organised by the Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce.
The Minister heard from companies from across the region on how rising costs, energy prices, recruitment difficulties and supply chain issues are all dragging on economic growth.
The MP for Milton Keynes South said the Government is keen to hear directly from industry. They see events like this with the Chambers of Commerce as a key way to doing that.
He said: “At a time of increasing pressures for businesses, it is crucial that government remains engaged with the business community to continue to listen. I have joined a number of these sessions to ensure that I am kept abreast of the issues that local businesses face.
“There are lots of issues that are making life difficult for businesses to grow. We need to do what we can to ease those. It’s important that businesses know that we are listening to their issues. It was very useful and insightful to hear directly from companies in Milton Keynes.”
Sean Rose, head of policy at the Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce, said: “We continue to highlight the issues businesses in our region. Across the country are facing, and we will continue to amplify the voice of business.”
“Businesses don’t want hand-outs from Government. We don’t want to be a special case. We just want the right conditions that enable us to invest and grow and make positive contributions to the economy.
“The Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce certainly welcome an open dialogue with the Minister. Tt was great that our members got to speak to Mr Stewart directly about their concerns.”