The Bedfordshire branch of the Federation of Small Businesses has organised a hustings event on Thursday (March 5) to give business owners and other interested people a chance to quiz all the prospective candidates on issues relating to business.
The event, to be held at the University of Bedfordshire’s Polhill Campus is part of the FSB’s national campaign #ibacksmallbusiness, designed get all politicians signed up to show their support for the 99% of private businesses in the UK which qualify as small or medium-sized enterprises. Bedford MP Richard Fuller pictured (Conservative) will join the panel alongside his fellow candidates including Patrick Hall (Labour), Mahmud Henry Rogers (Liberal Democrats), Charlie Smith (UKIP) and Ben Foley (Green Party).
The event will be chaired by Dr Gordon Mellor, Executive Dean at the University of Bedfordshire’s Business School.
FSB branch chairman Ian Cording said: "The small business community is the lifeblood of the Bedford economy and that is why it is vital that all of those who seek to serve us are given the chance to talk about the issues that affect small businesses and the people who work for us.
"We think this will be an excellent opportunity to have a lively and informative debate where all those who attend will get to learn a little bit more about the policies of the parties and individuals who are standing for them while also getting to know more about the candidates themselves."
Places for the FSB Hustings event are limited. To you’re your seat, visit www.fsb-hustings.eventbrite.co.uk, e-mail Caron.Kendall@fsb.org.uk or telephone 01525 875866.