Today I visited Waypoint Enterprise, a privately owned freight forwarder and export packing company. The port of Southampton is a major employer in the City. The port is responsible for supporting the wider Hampshire economy. Over 26,000 employees and £2.6 billion of trade for the country are a direct result of the port. SMEs, like Waypoint, are a critical part of the eco system. One of my key priorities is to support local businesses. By making companies more successful, they will create prosperity for all. They will create more jobs, pay more taxes and allow us to fund the public services and public sector that we deserve.
Post Brexit, I want to help companies, like Waypoint, trade with other countries around the world. This will allow Waypoint to not only hire more local staff in Southampton, but also increase the taxes we need to support the essential public services, such as teachers, nurses and our care workers.
Chris Kelly, founder of Waypoint said, “We are happy to grow the business and work with other countries to expand our business network. If UK Export Finance can assist us, then we will look into that.”
I also suggested to Chris that the Department for Business and Trade have launched a new Help to Grow hub which brings together the comprehensive support on offer into one place, including information on apprenticeships.
If you run or own a business, please do get in touch. I would like to hear how I can help your business grow.
Sidney Yankson
