Telecommunication providers, financial advisers, enterprise experts and local authorities are coming together in a unique public event organised by Kevin Hollinrake, MP for Thirsk and Malton. The “Broadband and Business Forum” is being held on the 10th June at the Galtres Centre. Small and large business owners and managers and interested members of the public are invited to attend the free event in Easingwold to discuss topics including internet and mobile coverage, apprenticeships, pensions and EU membership. In response to many constituents’ frustration about accessible communication networks and their speed and reach, especially in the most remote areas, the MP has invited both national and local companies to talk about their work in a hope to find solutions to the various problems being encountered. Attending the event will be NYNET, BT, Vodafone, EE, Boundless, Moorsweb, Beeline, Clannet and Opensignal. During the morning they will be presentations and there will be the opportunity for the audience to ask questions. In the afternoon the focus will move on to other subjects, beginning with a debate on the forthcoming referendum on the country’s membership of the EU. Mr Hollinrake will speak for the campaign to remain whilst Toby Horton, the UKIP candidate in the General Election, will argue the case to leave. After the debate there will be sessions on pensions, apprenticeship schemes and exporting for small businesses. There will also be presentations from both the LEP and the Federation of Small Businesses. The aim of the event is to bring together, in one place, different organisations who can give advice to people involved in the constituency’s business sector. Mr. Hollinrake has continually stressed the need for faster, reliable broadband and mobile phone coverage as a necessity for all the community’s benefit whether for commercial, educational or domestic use. Over the last year he has worked in Parliament and in North Yorkshire on the issue, met with large providers and smaller companies, visited exchanges and seen first had the problems being encountered. He hopes the Broadband and Business Forum will help not just with broadband but to develop local business and trade. “We urgently need to sort out broadband coverage in the constituency. It is essential for our present and future prosperity. We need to get the problems solved and get everyone connected. Small businesses need to be encouraged. They need to be able to access advice and be supported. Offering everyone the chance to get together to discuss the issues seemed like an obvious thing to do. I am grateful to all those who have taken the time to attend to give their expertise. This will be a very informative and productive day for all involved. I hope people from across the constituency take this opportunity and join us. By working together I think a lot more can be achieved to promote and progress our businesses and improve the economic health of the county. I am very much looking forward to the day.” The forum is expected to begin at 9.30 and end at 4.30pm. People are invited to attend all or part of the day. Please apply for free tickets to [email protected]
