Sarah Gibson MP Hosts Successful Business Breakfast in Calne
Local businesses from across Wiltshire gathered in Calne on Friday 16th for a Business Breakfast hosted by Sarah Gibson MP, the Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Chippenham.
The event brought together business leaders from companies including Pharmaxo, SupportWise IT Services, Shout Cyber, Awdry Law, CMS Group, Bevirs Law, Hadfield-Noblin, Purpol Marketing, Ark Data Centres, and Katharine Thomson Garden Design. Discussions focused on key economic issues—from skills shortages and apprenticeship funding to the cost of doing business.
Sarah Gibson MP gave a short address touching on the Spring Statement, the proposed Employment Rights Bill, and the importance of improving collaboration between businesses and education providers. She stressed her commitment to practical policies that support SMEs and help young people into work.
“Wiltshire is home to some of the most hard-working and innovative small businesses in the country,” said Sarah Gibson MP. “But it is clear from our discussions today that many are still being held back by red tape, struggles to find staff, and a lack of targeted investment. I am grateful to everyone who came to share their experience and insight—I will be taking their views back to Westminster and raising the local business community’s concerns directly with the minister.”
Attendees praised the event as a valuable and informal opportunity to speak directly with their MP and network with other local businesses.
Denise O’Leary, Managing Director of Purpol Marketing, said:
“I really want to thank Sarah Gibson MP for hosting this breakfast. This felt like a genuine chance to raise concerns and suggest solutions. I was particularly impressed with how invested Sarah, and the other local businesses, were in finding ways to develop young people’s skills and prepare them for real-world careers.”
Sarah Gibson MP confirmed that she plans to host further business roundtables and community events across the Chippenham constituency in the coming months.