Why firms should tell Parliament their views

Representatives from the region's businesses learned the importance of making their views known to Parliament as part of a workshop.

The event focussed on how issues discussed by Parliament and the European Parliament can have a major impact on businesses' day-to-day life.

Around 20 delegates attended the session, held at the Forest Pines Hotel and Golf Resort, near Broughton.

It aimed to show how easy it is to make opinions known about issues that affect their businesses.

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Daniel Wood, from the Houses of Parliament Outreach Service, said: "The main thing we've been concentrating on is the work of parliamentary select committees, what they do, what their role is and how members can give evidence to their enquiries.

"It makes a difference. MPs are hearing from a wide range of people on a wide range of issues, but where policies and where ideas come from is ultimately members of the public.

"You really can't underplay the importance of even a simple meeting with an MP at their surgery."

The workshop also covered the European Parliament and how businesses could influence decisions made in Brussels by contacting their local MEPs.

Elisabeth Sweeney, regional liaison officer for the European Parliament UK Information office, said: "The main message is that decisions that are made in Brussels are not made by unelected bureaucrats.

"They are made by members of the European Parliament who are elected by people in Yorkshire and Humber."

Overall, the workshop emphasised how lobbying is a way for businesses to make their views known.

This is not just on business issues but also on other topics that affect them, such as transport, education and trade laws.

Daryl Birden, chairman of the North Lincolnshire branch of the Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce, said the workshop was useful.

He said: "We hear a lot in the press about how lobbying seems like a dark art practised by PR gurus down in London.

"I hope we've learnt today that it can be something that companies can engage in if they have the right sort of tools.

"I think one of the key things is that London is a long way away and we want to make sure our voice is heard.

"You don't just elect MPs and then forget about them for five years, those MPs need to know what our thoughts are.

"Lobbying can achieve things. I'm not suggesting it's a quick change, but you have to engage."