Liberal Democrat Party President Visits Ladywood

1.11.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 14th May 2009

Lib Dem President Baroness Scott launched the Small Business Survey in the Jewellery Quarter

Liberal Democrat Party President Baroness Ros Scott visited Ladywood recently to meet business owners as part of the local Small Business Survey. Joined by local campaigners David Nikel, Morriam Jan and Parliamentary candidate Cllr Ayoub Khan.

Baroness Scott spoke to a variety of businesses to understand the impact of the recession on them. Feelings were mixed, with some businesses faring reasonably well, but others concerned that a lengthy recession will create casualties.

The Liberal Democrat team were pleased to discuss various grants and rate reliefs that may be available, as well as Vince Cable's proposals for getting the country back on its feet.

Baroness Scott said, "We visited a bridal store which had been in the news recently.

"The franchisee had gone into administration, so two of the staff had bought the shop using their credit cards. By doing so, they had saved the weddings of nearly fifty couples and, having recently got married myself, I could understand exactly how those couples would have felt. The financing has now been put on a more secure footing, and they are optimistic looking forward.

Local campaigner David Nikel said, "I was delighted to accompany Baroness Scott on the launch of our Small Business Survey. The Government has left small businesses with very little room to maneuver and we are in danger of losing a large percentage of them. Entrepreneurs have been the lifeblood of this country and the Government should be doing far more to make sure it stays that way."