The Forum of Private Business (FPB) has set up a new initiative that will assign MPs with voluntary summer internships at small firms.
Known as the Business Buddy Scheme, it will give MPs the opportunity to learn about the realities of running a small business. All English and Scottish MPs and Welsh Assembly Members have been invited to spend half a day working at a small firm in their constituency. The work experience will take place over the summer, while Parliament is in recess. So far over 100 MPs have volunteered to spend time with a local firm.
The scheme comes after a survey carried out by FPB revealed that over 74% of their Members want their elected representative to focus more on small businesses in their local area.
Phil McCabe, Press Officer for FPB, commented: “There’s no substitute for first-hand experience. We want politicians to see for themselves what it’s like to run a small business. [The scheme] will bring it home to decision-makers just how much small firms contribute to the economy.”
The FPB aim to pair the MP’s responsibilities with a suitable business, for example tourism minister Mark Penrose has been matched with a tourism firm in Weston-super-Mare. The scheme has been met with great support and enthusiasm from cabinet members, including Minister of State Oliver Letwin who will spend a short time working in a pie shop in his West Dorset constituency.
Business Minister Mark Prisk has urged fellow MPs and ministers to join. He said: “My contact with small businesses tells me that you will not only benefit from gaining a real understanding of the challenges business owners face and overcome each and every day, but that you will find the experience to be hugely enjoyable.”
FPB have revealed that there are currently nine ministers and nine shadow ministers taking part in the scheme and spending half a day with a small firm. Once the scheme is over, a hotline is to be set up for firms so that they can communicate any emerging issues.
Photo by Katy Warner – CC
