Marcus Jones, the MP for Nuneaton, is to carry out a ‘work experience placement’ at a local firm in order to learn about the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses. Marcus will visit MCT Jaguar Restorations on Attleborough Fields Industrial Estate on Friday 12 August at 9am. His visit has been arranged as part of the ‘Business Buddy’ scheme, which was recently launched by the not-for-profit Forum of Private Business.

Business Buddy aims to foster a greater understanding of small businesses among politicians by providing them with hands-on experience of day-to-day life at a firm in their constituency.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Marcus said: “Small businesses are vital to the local economy here in Nuneaton and I have been keen to promote this cause in Parliament, because almost 60% of the private sector workforce are employed by small businesses.

“I am sure my visit to MCT Jaguar Restorations will give me a real insight into their particular sector of the economy and the general issues affecting small businesses, which will no doubt inform my work in Parliament.”

The Forum’s head of campaigns, Jane Bennett, said: “It’s all well and good for lobby groups like the Forum to tell the Government about the issues facing small businesses, but there’s no substitute for first-hand experience. We want politicians to see for themselves what it’s like to run a small business so that’s why we developed the Business Buddy scheme.

“We hope Marcus and MCT Jaguar Restorations will find the visit useful and perhaps forge a lasting relationship so MCT can keep Marcus updated on local and small business-related issues as they develop.”

Small Business Minister Mark Prisk has given the scheme his backing and urged his fellow MPs to get involved.

Mr Prisk said: “I encourage all Members of Parliament who share my passion for UK business to make the most of the opportunity offered by the Forum of Private Business’s Business Buddy scheme.

“My contact with small businesses tells me that you will not only benefit from gaining a real understanding of the challenges business owners face and overcome each and every day, but that you will find the experience to be hugely enjoyable.”

Business Buddy is part of the Forum’s wider Get Britain Trading campaign, which aims to both raise awareness of the important economic role played by small businesses, and lobby for the Government to tackle common problems which prevent small businesses from growing and creating jobs.