Victory in Financial Education in the Curriculum campaign

Fiona Bruce MP welcomes huge victory in her campaign for financial education in the curriculum

Fiona Bruce MP welcomes the huge victory in the campaign for financial education in schools following the publication of the new draft National Curriculum for England.  The new curriculum, which is currently open for consultation, will see financial education embedded in both mathematics and in Citizenship education, making financial capability a compulsory part of the curriculum for the first time. Fiona was a lead member of the Parliamentary Inquiry into Financial Education in Schools which made recommendations for such a change.

Fiona and other MP colleagues who are also passionate about this issue met with the Prime Minister last year to call on the Government to introduce financial education to the curriculum.

Fiona Bruce MP commented:

“This vitally important issue is one I have focused on since I was elected in 2010 – indeed, it was the subject of one of my first speeches in the House. I firmly believe it is critical that children are equipped to manage their finances in a society where they are bombarded with complex financial products. I am therefore delighted the hard work of the Parliamentary Inquiry has now borne fruit and the Government have listened to our concerns

It is vital to ensure that members of the next generation are better equipped than those of the present generation to make informed financial decisions, for the sake of their well-being and that of our whole society. The heavy price paid by families in serious debt is now recognised by all. I believe that, over time, investment in financial education will reap exponential benefits for our society and firmly believe that financial education is necessary – prevention is better than cure.”

Fiona Bruce continued:

“The Parliamentary Inquiry into Financial Education in schools recommended that personal financial education should be a compulsory part of every school’s curriculum, that it should be assessed and that financial education should be cross-curricular, overlapping with maths and PSHE. I am delighted the Government have taken action are consulting on introducing these proposals into the curriculum.”

Will Spendilow of New Life Church Congleton who teaches good financial management to school pupils and who gave evidence to the Parliamentary Inquiry said:

“These recommendations are most welcome.  They are timely and hit exactly the right areas where we need to educate our young people and encourage positive habits handling money decisions which can only be a good thing. I look forward to the implementation of these recommendations” 

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITOR

·         Picture shows Fiona Bruce MP with the Prime Minister...

·         There is a public consultation open on the following proposed changes to the curriculum:

o    Mathematics Key Stage 3 - students will develop their use of formal mathematical knowledge to solve and devise problems within and outside mathematics, including financial mathematics.

o    Citizenship Key Stage 3 - includes the functions and uses of money, the importance of personal budgeting, money management and a range of financial products and services.

o    Citizenship Key Stage 4 - includes wages, taxes, credit, debt, financial risk and a range of more sophisticated financial products and services.

·         The consultation period will run until 16^th April 2013 and interested parties can view the consultation and register their thoughts by visiting https://www.education.gov.uk/aboutdfe/departmentalinformation/consultations/a00221262/reform-national-curriculum

Launch of Holmes Chapel Business - Neon Freight Ltd

Holmes Chapel, Hong Kong and Houston!” - International Freight company launches in Holmes Chapel

A new Freight forwarding company has been launched based in Holmes Chapel called Neon Freight Ltd. With over 16 years experience in international shipping and logistics, local resident Ian Mallon decided the time was right for the launch of this exciting enterprise. The company handles international imports and exports of airfreight and seafreight. Its main markets are the Far East, Asia and the USA. They deal in a number of different sectors, with shipments large and small from oil and gas, personal effects through to auto parts.

The office was visited last week for the official launch by Fiona Bruce MP who was pleased to say

“I congratulate Neon Freight Ltd on their recent launch in Holmes Chapel. It’s exciting to have a company involved in international trade in the heart of my constituency, exporting UK made products on a worldwide basis. I was particularly intrigued to hear about exporting components of the innovative super sports car “the BAC Mono” which is also made in Holmes Chapel! All the parts for this car are shipped out directly from Holmes Chapel and then put together in California. Neon Freight Ltd is clearly a company to watch”



Fiona Bruce MP and Ian Mallon looking at the BAC Mono Supercar



David Watson, Chief Executive of the East Cheshire Chamber of Commerce said “I am delighted that Neon Freight has decided to choose Holmes Chapel to start their business and the Chamber looks forward to supporting their exporting initiatives by assisting with their export documentation.”

You can contact Neon Freight via their website www.neonfreight.co.uk or call on 01477 668 003

High Speed Two Statement

HIGH SPEED 2 STATEMENT – Fiona Bruce MP

‘I am relieved that my strong fight on behalf of my constituents to ensure that the line of the route did not impact on any part of the Congleton Constituency has been successful and know it will be a great relief to very many of the residents I represent.

My constituents have endured 18 months of uncertainty with rumours circulating that the line would go right through strong and stable communities in the heart of the Congleton Constituency and affect prime agricultural land. The uncertainty has caused problems for homeowners and farmers in the Congleton Constituency which as a result of today’s announcement will now hopefully end.

I shall continue to press the Government for assistance in respect of very important local transport projects such as the reopening of the Middlewich Rail Link for passenger services.

The Government has now commenced a 3 month consultation on its proposals to take High Speed 2 from Birmingham to Manchester and this will end on the 29^th April 2013.

More information can be found online at www.hs2.org.uk’

National Bee Action Plan

Congleton MP creates buzz about bee decline

Congleton MP Fiona Bruce joined a giant bumble bee and campaigners from the environment charity Friends of the Earth to draw attention to the alarming decline in UK bee numbers.

Fiona Bruce MP, speaking from Parliament this week said

“Bees are not only makers of honey, they are also crucial for pollinating crops and plants. Bees pollinate 75% of our plants – vital to our food supply as well as the survival of birds, plants and insects. A sharp fall in their number in recent years has led to growing concerns about the impact this may have on our local environment, farmers, the economy and our food sustainability, so this is my no means an academic issue but has real relevance for us all.

A study last year found that if bees disappeared it would cost British farmers at least £1.8 billion a year to pollinate their crops by hand - which would cause food prices, such as fresh fruit and veg, to rocket.

Concerns about the rapid decline in British Bees are valid. Two bumble bee species are already extinct and action is necessary to stall the downward spiral in bee numbers. I commend the Friends of the Earth’s campaign in this connection.”

The Friends of the Earth Bee Cause campaign has been backed by more than 80,000 people and calls for the Government to urgently to introduce a National Bee Action Plan aimed at saving our bees.

Friends of the Earth’s Executive Director Andy Atkins said:

“I’m delighted Fiona is showing support for Britain’s threatened bees – they are under severe threat and need all the support they can get.

“People up and down the country can help by creating bee-friendly gardens and habitats to enable bees to thrive, but it is vital that the Government does its bit too by introducing a National Bee Action Plan.”

Friends of the Earth’s Bee Cause campaign is asking the Government to adopt a National Bee Action Plan:

·        to ensure our towns and countryside provide bees with enough flowers to feed on and places to nest;

·        to help farmers, gardeners and park keepers to reduce chemicals that harm bees;

·         and to protect Britain’s 250+ bee species, not only the ones who make our honey.

Cold Weather Payments

Fiona Bruce MP notifies eligible constituents of Cold Weather Payments

The Department of Work and Pensions Cold Weather Payment has been triggered for eligible people within the ST7 postcode area which covers a number of areas in Fiona Bruce’s constituency including Alsager, Rode Heath and Scholar Green, due to the poor weather conditions for the period 19/1/2013 to 25/1/2013.

Fiona said “these Cold Weather Payments will be made automatically to certain recipients of Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance or Pension Credit. The rate is set at £25 a week during periods of cold weather where the temperature is forecast to be at 0^oC for seven consecutive days.

If you believe you are eligible and have not received this automatic payment, I urge you to contact the Department for Work and Pensions.”

For further information on whether you are eligible for these payments please go to http://www.parliament.uk/briefing-papers/SN06074

Top Tips for Business Funding

10 Top Tips for Access to Business Funding Support

Fiona Bruce MP today gave her 10 top tips for Government funded business support.

Fiona said “The Private sector is key to getting the country successfully out of the challenging economic situation inherited from the last government. The former director of the CBI, Lord Digby-Jones has said “without businesses there are no taxes and without taxes there are no schools or hospitals.” It is heart-warming to note that over half a million new private sector jobs have been created by businesses over the past year. So business people are playing their part – and as I know, it is terrific hard work to run a business and make it work, especially in difficult economic times like these when every piece of work is hard won and every pound hard earned. So I pay tribute to the part local business people are playing and it is right that Government plays its part too, which is why these measures are so important. I am very keen to ensure that eligible businesses in my constituency and in the wider Cheshire region are fully aware of these funding and business support, job creation, and mentoring opportunities.”

1.    UK Export Finance: Provides trade credit insurance to exporters and guarantees to banks to support UK exports.  The Chancellor’s December Statement announced UKEF would provide up to £1.5billion in loans to finance small firms’ exports. Further information can be found at: www.ukexportfinance.gov.uk

2.    Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG): Provides up to £2bn of additional lending to SMEs. Budget 2012 announced measures to incentivise lenders to lend more to smaller businesses by raising the level of lenders’ EFG portfolios to which the Government guarantee applies.  Further details can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/enterprise-finance-guarantee

3.    Enterprise Capital Funds: Provides for more than £300m of venture capital investment to address the equity gap for early stage innovative SMEs. Eleven funds have been launched since 2006 and more than £150m invested in companies. Further details can be found at: http://www.capitalforenterprise.gov.uk/portfolio

4.    Business Finance Partnership (BFP): Provides funding to help businesses access non-bank finance through the BFP.  It has allocated £100m to invest through non-traditional lending channels that can reach smaller businesses, which could include peer-to-peer platforms and supply chain financing.  Further details on BFP can be found at : http://www/bis.gov.ul/business-finance-partnership

5.    Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative (AMSCI): Provides funding to improve the global competitiveness of UK advanced manufacturing supply chains. Following £125m for two rounds, the Chancellor’s December Statement included £120m for two further rounds of the AMSCI. Details will be announced shortly on how to apply. www.gov.uk/bis

6.    StartUp Loan Scheme: Provides advice and start-up finance (around £2500) for 18-30 year olds looking to start and grow their own businesses.  Further details can be found at: http://www.startuploans.co.uk

7.    Business Angel Co-Investment Fund: Provides a £50m Fund to invest with syndicates of business angels who are interested in investing in SMEs in qualifying areas of England.  Further details can be found at: http://www.angelcofund.co.uk/

8.    GrowthAccelerator: Provides help to up to 26,000 SMEs achieve their high growth potential over three years. Working with an experienced coach, qualifying businesses will receive a focused growth plan, master classes, networking and peer-to-peer support.  Further details can be found at: http://growthaccelerator.com/

9.    New Enterprise Allowance: Provides help for unemployed people who want to start a business, with an emphasis on sustainability and growth potential.  It is available to people aged 18 and over who have been claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance for three months or more.  Further details can be found at: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/adviser/updates/new-enterprise-allowance/

10.  Get Mentoring: Provides SMEs with access to mentors who can support and guide the development of businesses.  Further details can be found at: http://getmentoring.org/

Arise Cheshire East New Year Meeting

Fiona Bruce MP joins Arise Cheshire East New Year meeting

The latest Arise Cheshire East meeting, held at the start of the year (4^th January) at the Wych Centre, Middlewich, was joined by Fiona Bruce MP and Cheshire East Councillors,  Steve Wilkinson and Louise Brown.  Also present was Rob Wykes, Director of Christian Concern in Crewe, representatives from the CAB and St Luke’s Hospice as well as the Archdeacon of Macclesfield Ian Bishop and Co-leader of Arise, Carolyn McQuaker, together with residents from churches from many denominations across the whole of Cheshire East.

Arise Cheshire East exists to pray and support prayer for the area and to encourage practical community support. This was the latest of several meetings held over the past year including at Macclesfield Town Hall, Crewe Municipal Offices and in the reception of Cheshire East Council offices at Westfields, Sandbach.

During the meeting at Middlewich the group prayed at the start of 2013, for issues of local and national concern including for challenges faced by young people in the area, and for those involved in caring for our elderly population, for the work of Cheshire East Council and for national issues including the forthcoming Parliamentary Vote regarding a change in the laws on marriage.

Carolyn McQuaker said “This has been a great morning and an important meeting together to unite in prayer for Cheshire East and our nation at this critical time.”

These meetings are open to anyone who wishes to join in prayer for those concerned for the area we live in and our society both locally and nationally.  More information about Arise Cheshire East can be found on www.arisecheshireeast.org.uk.