THE Shadow Small Business Minister Bill Esterson MP met with businesses in Westhoughton yesterday as part of his tour to hear the concerns of SME's around the country.

Organised by Labour Parliamentary candidate Julie Hilling the roundtable was held at The Beer School in Market Street and covered topics from skills and recruitment to business rates and the impact of Brexit.

Among the key issues raised by those attending were transport links, landlords and accessing funding to improve the town's high street.

Mr Esterson said: “I was very impressed by the ideas and the passion of the business owners who came along today. But they need more support from Government to allow them to realise those ideas, whether that is in transport infrastructure, landlord licensing or access to funding.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. They create the jobs that we need. They are crucial at every level of a strong and thriving economy that works for employer and staff alike."

Labour has said that the feedback given by small businesses at the meeting and others like it well be fed into the party's Industrial Strategy.

The strategy aims to ensure regions outside of London and the South East receive a fair share of investment.

Ms Hilling said: “I’m pleased I could invite Bill here to see the amazing work being done by our small business owners who are rightly proud of the work they do.

“Important issues were raised such as parking and marketing opportunities which I will follow up with the council and we also discussed the possibility of setting up a forum to discuss these things more regularly.

“I will continue to support our small business and the high street in any way I can so that we can see the local economy thrive in a way that benefits everyone.”

The meeting was also attended by Westhoughton South Councillor David Chadwick who said he would seek to find solutions to the issues raised by local businesses.