EAST Hampshire MP Damian Hinds hosted the first of two ’Listening to Business’ meetings in Alton last week and said he was “delighted” to have the opportunity to discuss a range of issues.

The audience included a mix of retail and finance businesses such as Little Village Interiors, Stitched by You, Occasions Jewellers, Wettone Matthews and Sheen & Stickland, as well as representatives from Alton Town Council, Alton Chamber of Commerce, and East Hampshire District Council.

The discussion covered a broad range of topics including Government policy and the local economic climate, as well as trading conditions within the town centre.

“I was delighted that people made time to join me at the meeting this morning. It’s invaluable for me to hear about local issues from local businesses and I was again struck by the extraordinary level of commitment and engagement within Alton’s business community,” said Mr Hinds.

“We’re very lucky to have such a diversity of traders within the town centre and I hope sharing views and ideas in this way will build a stronger platform for tackling the opportunities and challenges ahead.”

A further Listening to Business event will be held between 6pm and 7pm on Friday, October 23, at Alton Assembly Rooms. To attend, e-mail Mr Hinds at [email protected].