Prime Minister’s jobs summit looks for way forward to help SMEs tackle job crisis
The British Marine Federation attended the Prime Minister’s Jobs Summit in January to highlight the issues facing the leisure marine industry during the current economic downturn.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown convened a high-level gathering of business, union and political leaders from across the UK to look at initiatives to both protect existing jobs and create new ones for people who find themselves out of work. Rob Stevens, Chief Executive of the BMF, represented BMF members at the meeting.
At the summit, the Prime Minister announced measures aimed at giving more intensive help to those out of work and further education or training for all school leavers.
Speaking after the meeting, Rob Stevens said:
"It is important and encouraging that the leisure marine industry, through the British Marine Federation, has a seat at the top business and political tables at this difficult time.
"There was much in the Prime Minister's announcement that is positive for the leisure marine industry, particularly proposals to boost the Government's commitment to training opportunities for people who find themselves out of work. In some areas of the country the leisure marine industry is desperate for skilled workers and we need to use this opportunity to encourage the development of long-term skills which would benefit individuals and the industry.
"As well as jobs and training, one area of remaining concern is how financial initiatives can be translated into direct and urgent help for SMEs, particularly within the regions, which are vitally important to the leisure marine industry. The BMF will continue to lobby Government to ensure that SMEs can get access to credit at fair terms to ensure the survival of otherwise viable businesses."
To find out more go to http://www.britishmarine.co.uk or go to http://www.number10.gov.uk/Page17980
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