If re-elected on 8th June I will continue to cut brightly coloured ribbons!
In 2010, when I was first elected to represent the Gosport Constituency, there was only half a job per working adult on the Gosport peninsula, and therefore, I made economic regeneration an absolute priority.
In addition to my work to bring an Enterprise Zone to the disused military airfield at Daedalus, I have been part of a number of successful Regional Growth Fund bids across the area including the 'Bridging the Gap' fund for small and medium businesses which has secured over £4 million for businesses in the local area. I regularly meet with local employers – from major companies such as BAE to micro-businesses and have been a keen advocate of apprenticeships, supporting schemes at the CEMAST Skills Centre, Blackball Media and Vector Aerospace among others.
I campaigned for the regeneration of Gosport High Street and waterfront, having met with the British Retail Consortium, backed the Council's submission to the Portas Review, and helped secure £100,000 of funding from the Government.
I am also keen to build on Gosport's fantastic location as a world-class yacht destination. In 2011, I was instrumental in the formation of the Gosport Marine Scene, bringing local marine businesses & individuals together to promote the interests of Gosport as a major maritime hub on the south coast.
I have worked closely alongside the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) since its establishment in 2011 with the aim of supporting them to create an environment that will bring about sustainable economic growth and private sector investment in the Solent. I continue to work with the Solent LEP to ensure that the Gosport constituency is at the forefront of regeneration plans and consistently seek updates on their progress and future plans.
I have also been working alongside Berkeley Homes and the Royal Clarence Marina Residents Association to encourage businesses to open in Royal Clarence Yard. New businesses including The Victualler, the Wendy House, The Flour Mill Emporium and Arty's have recently opened at the location.
If re-elected on 8th June I will continue to push to create local jobs for local people.
