The launch of a £500 million national fund aimed at reviving stalled building projects and creating new jobs across the country has been welcomed by Bracknell MP, Dr Phillip Lee.

The Growing Places Fund, available to Local Enterprise Partnerships across England, such as Thames Valley Berkshire’s LEP, will give local businesses and organisations the opportunity to make their own decisions and apply for the funding they need based on local priorities.

Dr Lee commented:  “This fund will make a real difference on the ground, improving the lives of local residents in Bracknell and boosting the local economy. From building strategic link roads to reducing congestion, the investment will set businesses free and create jobs”.

Dr Phillip Lee, MP for Bracknell, calls on local manufacturers to get involved in ‘Make it in Great Britain’ campaign to transform outdated opinions of UK manufacturing. The campaign will culminate in an exhibition during Games time that will celebrate the successes of the manufacturing sector, challenge inaccurate views of manufacturing and encourage young people to consider a career in the industry.

Business Secretary Vince Cable launched the campaign this week, “Despite popular belief, Britain still does make things and has outstanding manufacturing companies, large and small. Our world-beating companies have an excellent reputation for innovation. I want our young people and those who hold outdated views of British manufacturing to see that reality. That’s why we’re launching the Make it in Great Britain campaign.”

Over the past three weeks the Government has announced £140million of investment in manufacturing to end 13 years of decline in manufacturing under Labour.

Dr Lee commented: “Manufacturing can boost the economy if we help manufacturers to grow and export. I am encouraging everyone involved in manufacturing in Bracknell whether they are business owners, designers, engineers, plant operators or even apprentices to support the campaign by putting themselves forward as manufacturing champions. With their help, we can modernise people’s views of manufacturing.”

Last week the Government announced support for the Daylight Saving Bill – calling for a change to the way we set our clocks. As a supporter of the bill, and the Lighter Later campaign behind it, Dr Phillip Lee MP for Bracknell welcomed the move.

Last week’s announcement will be warmly welcomed by the road safety organisations, sporting bodies, tourism industries and community groups that make up the 80 strong coalition backing the Lighter Later campaign. Evidence suggests that moving an hour of light from the early morning to the evening could make our roads safer, cut the UK’s carbon while boosting its economy and provide more time for leisure activities and sport. 

“There’s a lot further to go before we change our clocks but this announcement is a big step forward. The bill would mandate the UK Government to conduct a proper review of the evidence for and against changing the clocks.  By rationally weighing up the evidence for reform, Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland have the opportunity to become safer, healthier and more prosperous countries” said Daniel Vockins, Lighter Later campaign manager.

Dr Lee commented: “Today the government made an important step towards making our days longer. I believe that if there is strong evidence to support the benefits it could bring, I will support this.”

Dr Phillip Lee, MP for Bracknell visited Meadows Tesco in Bracknell with store manager, Terry Cushings, last Friday the 14^th of October 2011. Meadows Tesco is the busiest Tesco store in the country.

Dr Lee commented: “Tesco is one of the largest employers in our county and I was impressed to visit the country’s busiest store located in Sandhurst.”

Dr Phillip Lee, MP for Bracknell, attended the opening of a new Maximus Office in Bracknell last Friday, the 9^th of September 2011. Dr Lee is pleased by the work that Maximus is providing in Bracknell by helping local, long-term unemployed back into work.

Maximus partners with the UK governments to provide efficient, high quality essential services to citizens. Through long-term sustainable employment, Maximus puts people on a path to self-sufficiency and improve their lives. With over 20 years of success in the UK, they have managed a broad range of welfare-to-work and related employment and training programmes to deliver positive outcomes for job seekers, employers and governments alike.

Dr Lee commented: “I am pleased that Maximus opened a new office in my constituency. Maximus efforts make a difference to people’s lives by helping unemployed people to overcome personal and professional barriers and connecting them with meaningful employment. I am pleased to see their commitment to the local community”