L to R: Richard Cort, Co owner of Zest and local businessman, Deborah Dunleavy, Philip Hammond MP, Susan Williams

Yesterday, along with the prospective MP for Bolton West, Susan Williams I met with Philip Hammond MP.   Philip  is the Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury.   

We met with 20 key business people from Bolton for a working lunch,  to hear about their concerns on the economy and the financial challenges caused by the current economic climate.    The business people present represented Heads of Industry, Retail, Lawyers, Accountants, Financial Services and Engineering.    

Mr Hammond said,  ”It was a highly constructive meeting which gave me an opportunity to hear the thoughts and concerns of local business people from across Bolton.    It was also an opportunity for me to share my thoughts on the economic issues that the UK is going to face in the future, as well as an opportunity to endorse the excellent work that both Deborah and Susan are doing in their respective campaigns”

I have to say it was a real privilege to have Philip here in Bolton.   He demonstrated what a superb Minister he will be once a Conservative Government is in place.    He was quizzed on all aspects of the economy by the business people present who left feeling he was a man of great expertise and knowledge.