An Evening with Vince Cable at Chesterfields Proact Stadium in partnership with the DNCC

Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills drew a large audience when he addressed Midlands Businesses at a glittering Gala Dinner at the Proact Stadium in Chesterfield.

Introducing Dr Cable, who was the keynote speaker at the event, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Chesterfield Julia Cambridge said:

"Occasionally people who hold high office are described as still keeping their feet firmly on the ground, when I hear this Vince Cable is the first name to come to mind."

Vince Cable delivered a lengthy and comprehensive overview of the economic strengths and challenges that businesses are facing and how his Government department, one of the largest, is helping and meeting the challenges with new initiatives like the green investment bank and the coalitions commitment to doubling apprentice places alongside offering real help to employers by way of simplifying the tax system.

Talking passionately he reflected the concerns of some of the audience when he took the opportunity to, once again, take the banks to task. More and consistent lending, particularly for small to medium sized businesses, was called for. He went on to praise the British spirit for creating an 'entrepreneurial 'culture.

The Chief Executive of the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce, George Cowcher, also took to the floor to talk about the work of the Chamber, which is now the second largest in the country.