The Federation of Small Businesses in Swindon was today welcoming Julia Drown MP to its annual member's reception at The Blunsdon House Hotel.

The event forms part of a programme of functions that is being planned in the lead up to the launch of a separate FSB Branch for the borough.

One of the FSB's key objectives is to have regular contact with all six MPs in Wiltshire and this marks the first time Ms Drown, the Labour MP for South Swindon has addressed the small business community in this way.

Speaking before the event, regional organiser Rupert Cox said: "We are delighted that Ms Drown has agreed to come and address us.

"The right to be self-employed is being threatened by Government policies and it is our role to protect small business from this deluge of regulation and to promote the virtues of being your own boss.

"It is vitally important that all MPs understand the issues that affect small business, not just nationally, but also on their own doorstep. We hope that by having this meeting Ms Drown will have a better understanding of those issues."