We are just days away and I am thrilled Cornwall is hosting the G7 summit. The Prime Minister will use the UK’s G7 Presidency to unite leading democracies to help the world build back better from coronavirus and create a greener, more prosperous future. The Prime Minister’s ambition is to use the G7 to intensify cooperation between the world’s democratic and technologically advanced nations. To that end, he has invited leaders from Australia, India and South Korea to attend as guest countries to deepen the expertise and experience around the table. Between them, the 10 leaders represent over 60% of the people living in democracies around the world.
Cornwall is a perfect choice to host the G7 Summit, our region is already a powerhouse for green innovation, providing an ideal setting for a Summit focused on building back better from the coronavirus pandemic. With the progress of the vaccination programme we should be far down the track of vaccinations at this point and comfortable with hosting the event. If you have any concerns please contact Cornwall Council as they are coordinating the event email them at: [email protected].
The G7 seems too good an opportunity to miss, and colleagues at the Department for International Trade have launched an SME-focused Parliamentary Export Programme event for businesses across North Cornwall. The aim will be to encourage and inform local businesses about trading overseas. Cornwall will become a global focus in June when the Prime Minister welcomes fellow G7 leaders to Carbis Bay. I would like to use this unique opportunity not only to showcase the best of the goods and services provided by Cornish businesses but also to encourage more businesses to unleash their trading potential. The session will be an hour-long interactive virtual event held in July, where businesses will receive practical advice about how to export, the range of support that is available from the government and how to take advantage of the new trade agreements to access new and fast-growing markets. If you’re interested in taking part please email my office via [email protected] with the subject ‘Trade’.
The Government have announced a cash boost for apprenticeships, with businesses able to claim £3000 for each new apprentice they take on as part of our Plan For Jobs, improving opportunities for young people to stay in and find work as we Build Back Better. Young people have been hit especially hard by the pandemic, and the Government’s Plan for Jobs is focused on helping them get the skills they need to get the jobs they want. We are going further on our Plan for Jobs by boosting cash incentives for businesses taking on apprentices, meaning that from today employers of all size in England can apply to claim £3,000 for each new apprentice hired. This added new boost to the Government's Plan for Jobs is improving opportunities for young people to stay in and find work – putting skills and jobs at the heart of our recovery as we Build Back Better.
