Sir Ming and Tim Farron MP visit hundreds of businesses on constituency-wide tour

MP Tim Farron has launched a mammoth tour of local businesses to seek their views and offer help as the economic crisis takes hold.

Tim toured shops on Tuesday morning, where he visited local businesses in Windermere and Bowness before in the afternoon going to see businesses in Cartmel, Grange and Arnside. On the following day, Tim visited businesses in Ambleside where he was joined by the Rt Hon. Sir Menzies Campbell MP before Tim then travelled on to Kendal to talk with local business owners and managers. On Thursday morning Tim he visited the market stores in Kirkby Lonsdale before finishing the day talking to businesses in Sedbergh. Tim concluded his week long business tour by visiting market stores in Milnthorpe.

Tim called with a short survey for businesses to complete and spent time talking to local businesses about their experiences.

In recent times Tim has held meetings, workshops and surgeries for local businesses, but at this busy and difficult time, he felt it was more useful and convenient for businesses if he visited them.

Speaking after the tour Tim said:

"I speak with local businesses every week and I get a mixed picture with some businesses doing well and others struggling. My job is to get along side business people locally, to listen to them and to offer real help."

"Hundreds of businesses in South Lakeland will be relying on a productive Easter period to keep them afloat, so instead of dragging them away from work at such a busy time, I decided to go on the road and visit them."

"By giving local business owners and managers chance to share how they are coping with the recession, we can then identify what needs to be done to help our local economy during this difficult time."