Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage has today introduced former government minister, Lord Heseltine, to students and business representatives from across the local area.
Lord Heseltine's visit follows the publication of his report on local growth, 'No stone unturned in pursuit of growth', last year, in which he cited engagement between schools and businesses as an essential part of regional economic development. Today, he joined Caroline at Brune Park School to speak to local students and business representatives who have already benefited from his recommendation, thanks to the work of Education Business Partnership.
Following the meeting in Gosport, Caroline and Lord Heseltine attended the Solent Growth Summit arranged by the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership at Botleigh Grange Hotel and spoke to business leaders and delegates from across the region.
Speaking after the visit, Caroline said:
"I was delighted to welcome Lord Heseltine to our area. His work on local growth is held in very high regard, and I am proud that some of his recommendations have already been acted upon in the Solent region. It was fantastic to hear from local students who are so enthusiastic about the schemes they are involved in.
As ever, it was great to speak with regional business delegates at the Solent Skills Summit – and I was interested to hear Lord Heseltine's fascinating insight into how we can stimulate growth in local areas."
Caroline has long been a champion of business & local growth. She is a member of the Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee and a Co-Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on local growth. More recently, she was appointed Small Business Ambassador for the south by the Prime Minister.