June 9th, 2014

At Nick Clegg’s recent keynote speech in London today Judith Bunting asked what the government could do to further encourage the development of our science, technology and research industries of the M4 Corridor.
“These companies are the future,” Judith Bunting said. “Their research, development and manufacturing provides the precisely the kind of highly skilled work that is underpinning the economic recovery of the country.” She went on, “Should hi tech industry be eligible for the kind of tax-breaks enjoyed by other industries, like film and TV?”
“If I am returned to Westminster, I will pursue the idea of tax breaks for start-ups in the technology industry. Vodafone was once a Newbury start-up as was Quantel. Now they employ thousands of people in our area. Our hi tech industries and their skilled workers are critical to stimulating economic growth.”
Nick Clegg was glad to acknowledge the importance of the technology industry to the economic recovery of Britain. With reference to the speech made by Judith Bunting at Federal Conference, last year, he emphasised the importance of getting reliable broadband coverage extended to the whole of the UK. In his speech, earlier, Nick said, “If this parliament was about reviving the economy, the next will be about rewiring the economy”.
Nick also celebrated Vince Cable’s work in promoting the teaching of engineering, electrical and technical skills in FE Colleges and the establishment of the Apprenticeship and the Higher Apprenticeship schemes in which companies sponsor students to take technical education to degree level.

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