Peter Elmes, of Elmes construction Limited, visited Chancellor George Osborne at the Treasury to discuss the current picture for UK tradesmen in January 2015.
Peter received the invitation after becoming the 2014 South West finalist Screwfix’s annual search for Britain’s Top Tradesman.
Peter and Mr Osborne talked about what could be done to encourage further business growth across their trade. He was joined by nine of the other finalists from across the UK.
Peter said: “Last year was a busy year for me and I expect this was the case for many others.
“It was a great honour to be invited to meet with the Chancellor and to talk to him about our thoughts on what might help small businesses to remain successful in 2015 and beyond.
“I know that there have already been some initiatives put in place which have helped us over the last couple of years, but I think there is more to be done to make it easier for small businesses to remain successful.”
As well as running his own business, Peter has lectured at City College Plymouth, became section leader for Trowel Trades and was the coordinator of a project to help unemployed youths gain an NVQ.
He also has a degree from Exeter University, and was president of the Guild of Bricklayers in 2010.
Mr Osborne said: “Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and hearing tradesmen talk positively about the last year, and look ahead to 2015 with optimism, is further evidence that our long term economic plan is working.
“This government is backing businesses of all sizes and giving them every opportunity to grow and create jobs.”
Britain’s Top Tradesman, organised by Screwfix, is a nationwide search to find and recognise the brilliant builders, helpful handymen, exceptional electricians and perfect plumbers that keep the UK’s homes and businesses in top condition.
Read more: http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/Plymouth-brickie-heads-HM-Treasury-talk-business/story-25924311-detail/story.html#ixzz40KdYt98w