Visit to Lansbury Business Estate

Towards the end of recess, I visited the Lansbury Business Estate and met with two of the directors, Mark and James Craven. The estate is home to more than 80 fantastic local businesses spanning a wide range of sectors. 

It was inspiring to see the breadth of expertise we have based right here in Woking, and the global reach of these businesses – a testament to our phenomenal local skills base. From high-tech manufacturing to aerial photography, toolmaking, food importing and printing, the diversity is remarkable.  

I could easily write an article about each of the businesses I visited, but I’m going to focus on the many challenges facing British industry that I heard so clearly about. Unfortunately, far too many of these stem directly from failures in government policy.  

Decisions by both the former Conservative government and the current Labour administration have created a climate that is far from pro-business. Business rates, international trade and the high costs businesses in Woking face were amongst the issues raised. Without changes, the UK risks undermining both its immediate recovery and its long-term economic growth. 

Last year's increase to Employers’ National Insurance contributions and steep hikes in business rates are squeezing profit margins, making it much harder to expand and grow.  

Almost all the businesses I spoke to told me of the continuing impact of Brexit – border delays, increased costs for imports and exports, and additional checks by government agencies are creating significant barriers to trading with Europe. 

To ease the damage caused by Brexit, a few of the exporters I spoke to have pivoted towards North America and the Middle East but have subsequently been hit hard by Trump’s tariffs. 

With the US now an increasingly unreliable partner, it is clearer than ever that we need to reset our relationship with Europe. They are our closest neighbours and remain our largest trading partners and if we are serious about growth, then improving trading terms with the EU is vital. 

Not only would it ease the pressure on trade, but it could also help address spiralling energy costs – a major concern raised by manufacturers at Lansbury. Rising bills are not only threatening their profitability, but their viability to continue local production. 

It’s simply unacceptable that so many local businesses are being held back by poor decision making in Westminster. I want to change that so that our incredible local businesses can thrive, and continue to create the economic growth and opportunities our town deserves. 

Over the course of this parliamentary session, I’ll be working with some of the businesses I met at Lansbury to shape the questions I ask in Parliament and to push for the policy improvements they need to see. 

If you run a business in Woking and feel similar pressures, then please let me know at will.forster.mp@parliament.uk.