Helping our local shops and businesses

West Oxfordshire is a thriving area with many small businesses and I will word hard to ensure our thriving local economy continues to grow, providing even more good jobs for local people.

I have championed West Oxfordshire businesses since becoming your MP, meeting with over 80 local business owners both in the constituency and Parliament, have hosted events honouring our innovative local companies and become the chair of the All-Party Group for Small and Micro Businesses.

These companies are the lifeblood of our local economy, and it is essential that West Oxfordshire continues to be the hub of businesses, from table-top operations to international world-beaters.

I have been working hard on behalf of our local businesses - part of this has been revolving around the issue of business rates.  I lobbied Government to ease pressures of rates rises by introducing a relief fund - I am pleased that this has been listened to and is helping many businesses across West Oxfordshire - learn more about this here.

News

Robert meets with the British Coffee Association

Robert said, "We had a useful discussion about the impact of brexit, packaging and other issues on the coffee industry. As a product which many of us - including myself! - uses every day, I was grateful for the chance to discuss these issues in detail."

Robert visits Wise Funds

Robert said, "Great to visit this employee owned company based in West Oxfordshire.  I was interested to learn how this has helped employees to feel invested in the long-term future of the company - I look forward to staying in touch!"

Robert presents White Brothers with Supplier of the Year Award

Robert visited White Brothers in Witney to present them with their Supplier of the Year award, given to the company at the Charity Retail Association Conference. This is the second year running he has had the privilege of presenting them with this accolade.

Robert meets with Siemens in Eynsham

Robert said, "It was great to catch up with this global leader, based here in West Oxfordshire.  In Eynsham, they create magnets which are used in over 30% of MRI machines installed in hospitals worldwide.

Robert visits SMB Bearings

Robert said, "I greatly enjoyed my visit to SMB, and thank you to all the staff for taking the time to talk me through their business.  This is another example of the global businesses based right here in West Oxfordshire that ensure our local economy continues to thrive."

Robert meets with Hydac

Robert said, "Thank you to Hydac for taking the time to discuss the benefits and issues of working in West Oxfordshire, and for showing me around the facility.  As they are set to grow into a new facility, I look forward to watching them continue to thrive for years to come."

Robert drops in on Ascott Village Shop

Robert said, "One thing that makes each community in West Oxfordshire unique is the vibrant village shops that are a hub of the local community.  I try to support these local businesses whenever I am out and about in the local area."

Advanced Fibreoptic Engineering welcome Robert for a visit

Robert said, "Thank you to the team at AFE for showing me around and explaining the benefits and challenges of working in West Oxfordshire.  I look forward to keeping in touch and seeing the business continue to thrive."

Find out more here.

Robert visits Chris Evans

Robert said, "Thank you to the team at Chris Evans for showing me around their officies and explaining their caravan repair shop.  Another great example of a thriving West Oxfordshire business."

Find out more here.

Robert meet with West Oxfordshire farmers and the NFU

Robert said, "It was great to catch up with local farmers and the NFU to discuss the current issues they are facing.  Farming and agriculture is one of the sectors that will be most affected by the UK's withdrawal from the EU, so although there is some uncertainty, this gives the UK a fantastic o