Tory MP David Davis
GWE Business West welcomed the Rt Hon David Davis MP as guest speaker to the Bristol Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner 2010, which took place in Bristol on 25th March.
Hosted by Bristol Chamber of Commerce & Initiative President Michael Bothamley, the event attracted hundreds of business people, coming together to celebrate business across the region.
David Davis, who stood against David Cameron for the Tory Party leadership, served as Conservative Party Chairman and shadow Deputy Prime Minister. To many he is best known for resigning his seat and stepping down as shadow Home Secretary on a point of principle in 2008. He won the resulting by-election with a resounding 72% of the vote, and has since continued to campaign for civil liberties.
Commenting on the budget, Davis felt that it wouldn’t be the last budget this year, regardless of which political party came to power. He cautioned that a new parliament will be tough for whoever wins but that there is ‘enormous scope in the Government for greater efficiency’, with the opportunity to improve our Country significantly over the next decade.
‘Periods of pressure engender courage’ he said. Focusing on the theme of optimism, Davis stated that when things get tough, as a country, we are capable of incredible things. He gave the example of the UK transforming into the 4th biggest economy in the World following the ‘Winter of Discontent’ in 1978-79.
He touched on three key challenges he considers important to achieving a new era. These included the economy; where he noted that while relying too much on the financial sector, the manufacturing industry has been left to decline, contributing less than 1% to the economy in the last 10 years as compared to that of 10% by Germany.
Social mobility; the denial of opportunity to a whole generation of children born into poor families since 1970 has resulted in a waste of talent and an in-balance in education and job prospects. Finally, he touched upon our so-called ‘free’ society, in which he feels that freedom of speech and the right to a fair trial has been eroded. Davis calls for a new society that is ‘open, vigorous, fair’.
‘These three areas have eaten away at the heart of being British’ he said. He finished his speech with the rallying call to bring back ideas, innovation and invention to aid the economy. And to apply ‘courage and conviction to the job’ of steering the Country towards a better future.
Dr John Savage CBE, Managing Director at GWE Business West raised a Loyal Toast to the City and County of Bristol, remarking that Bristol and its surrounding regions are well placed to lead the way out of the recession, being the most successful City outside of London and a ‘great place for opportunity’.
Councillor Christopher Davies responded that the region was often the first choice for relocating businesses and had become a world class tourist destination. He credited this to the ‘focus, dedication and foresight of its many businesses.’
Sponsored by Continental Airlines, Lloyds TSB and Smith & Williamson, the evening ended on a high with a prize draw of two return tickets to New York. Presented by Bob Schumacher, Senior Director at Continental Airlines, the coveted prize was won by Rupert Cox, Chief Executive of Somerset Chamber of Commerce.
£895 was raised from the evening’s collection, which will go to the President’s chosen charity, The Prince’s Trust, which aims to help the lives of young people in the South West.
