Conservative Candidate for Brentford and Isleworth, this week stopped by a local business to witness Chiswick leading the way in global exports. Mary invited Rt Hon Liz Truss, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, to join her on her tour of the Griffin Brewery, home to Fuller’s.

Mary and the Minister met with Richard Fuller, Corporate Affairs Director for Fuller’s, who described how the business has been able to overcome to some of the challenges faced by smaller companies hoping to expand and export goods abroad. Richard also explained to the Minister that the company has chosen to stay in Chiswick because of the thriving food and agriculture business in the local area.

Rt Hon Liz Truss praised Fuller’s and commented:

“Businesses in London are on the verge of something amazing. It is already the start-up capital of Europe. We want to make it easier for businesses to not just start but expand, that's why in the last 5 years, we’ve cut £10 billion of red tape.

Fuller’s is an excellent example of what local businesses in London have been able to achieve with the right help from Government. They are now exporting to over 60 countries, contributing to the 1 million pints that Britain exports a year.” 

Mary added:

“Fuller’s have been based at the Griffin Brewery here in Chiswick for almost 200 years and are a core part of the community. We need to do even more to support local businesses and help them to grow. That’s why it’s great to hear the Prime Minister announce trebled funding for start-up loans and committing to a review of the challenges faced by the self-employed and that’s why I’m delighted that the government agreed to my request for a full review of business rates.”