Strictly business lunch with MP
August 1st 2009 In July, representatives from the cleaning industry met for a network lunch with Ian Lucas, the newly installed Minister for Business and Regulatory Reform.
With a healthy cross section from the CSSA, BCC and ICMMA in attendance, the occasion gave members an opportunity to raise issues affecting their organisations.
The first topic raised was the prevalence of regulatory bureaucracy affecting businesses, a strain on resources for many CSSA members during difficult economic times. Lucas emphasised his commitment to cutting red tape, drawing on personal experience from his earlier career as a solicitor.
Visits from Regulators insisting on “changes in areas where they were unqualified, or unaware of the practical realities of the business,”
were singled out as a great burden, one which he empathised strongly with the CSSA members.He assured the table that his department would do everything it could to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy.
He followed up this point with some general advice on the most effective means for individuals to influence government procedure and policy; through the Member of Parliament representing their constituency. After a quick survey where Lucas asked those present whether they had ever met their local MP (only around a third had), he emphasised the value in communicating with them directly: “They are there to listen to any issues you might have, address them where possible and pass them on to the relevant government department”.
The Minister was asked whether the recent merger of BERR and DIUS into BIS (Business Innovation and Skills) would have any effect on New Industrial Activism (robust frameworks for the private sector and strategic government investment) in relation to the cleaning industry. He assured those present that the department would continue the existing policy of the Labour government,‘to assist businesses as they face the challenges posed by economic and environmental issues’. He added that he saw major opportunities for both businesses and Governments to show leadership, particularly in climate change and sustainable business practices.
Promoting businesses who share these ideals will be a key feature of his tenure. More articles from Cleaning Matters: | 
