July 2009

Constituency This month I visited BEP Signs – a company based on South Street – to see how small businesses are coping in the recession. I met with Bill Nicol, the Chief Executive of Riverside Inverclyde, to catch up with the latest in the development of the waterfront. I also attended the European Pipe Band Championships held at the Battery Park and went along to Serco Denholm to see one of their new vessels. Later in the month I met with River Clyde Homes outgoing Chief Executive and representatives of Cornerstone who provide services for people with special needs. Westminster Whilst at Westminster, I met with the Technical Director of Highcross – the developers of the IBM/Spango Valley site to discuss forthcoming plans for the Business Park. I attended a meeting on Digital Participation and was part of a parliamentary tour for Ghurkhas. I showed several Inverclyde constituents around Westminster and took part in a Channel 4 induction day. I went along to an ITV dinner and a BBC Scotland reception as part of my involvement with the Scottish Broadcasting Group. I spent one day in Portsmouth visiting the Navy headquarters and learning about the work that goes on there. The Parliamentary recess began on Wednesday 23rd July and the House will resume on Monday 12th October. Surgeries Throughout July, I held surgeries in the Parliamentary Office, Crawfurdsburn Community Centre, Boglestone Community Centre, Paton Street Community Centre, St.Ninian’s Church Hall, Youth Connections at Burns Square and 7½ John Wood Street in Port Glasgow.