Pfizer one year on!

“It was a really dark day for my constituents a year ago when Pfizer announced their exit and I have fought tirelessly to ensure that we have got the support from Government that we need to deal with this shock to the community. 

From day one we had the Prime Minister’s support, and were able to establish the Sandwich Taskforce working at the heart of Government. In the last year the Taskforce has been able to galvanise all parts of Government and has knocked on the door of every Minister that could assist us. One year on, we have secured from Government Enterprise Zone status, £40million Regional Growth Fund, high speed rail services, flood defence funding and immediate start-up grants for new businesses.

While there are still staff who have not found jobs and companies in the area who were reliant on Pfizer, several hundred jobs are now secure and a new buyer for the site is in final negotiations.  What seemed like a disastrous day a year ago looks more promising. There is a lot more to do but we are on track and have demonstrated that Thanet and Sandwich have an economic future worth investing in and a skills-base that is attractive to any employer.”

While the Government has been extremely supportive, Pfizer has also done a lot to both secure jobs on the site and also make sure that the handover to new owners will be as easy as possible. They will still be one of the largest employers in East Kent and are very important partners.

Have a look at what the Prime Minister said last week commending local people click and then find 16mins 17 secs inhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXoHNm9yLvg

If you are a small business and want to expand and benefit from the Regional Growth Fund then please do contact me and I will pass your details onto the right people.