Speech by the Rt Hon Nick Gibb MP to the Social Market Foundation at the offices of Edelman in London on Tuesday 30 April 2019.

Thank you, James for that introduction. And thank you to the Social Market Foundation and Edelman for hosting and organising this morning’s event.

Nick Gibb MP, said, "I am extremely concerned about the attack this Sunday. I am glad that Sussex Police acted quickly to arrest a suspect.

Nick Gibb MP visited the premises of Radio Respect in Argyle Road, Bognor Regis at the invitation of its co-founder, Chris Collins. 

Radio Respect was established in 2013 by Chris and Caroline Collins to provide support to people who have been or are tackling mental health issues. 

Nick Gibb visited the home of the local artist, Chris Thomas. His home (in Elmer) is full of his art, which is all made from recycled material and acrylic paint. Most of the materials are flotsam and jetsam found on the Elmer and Middleton beach.

Nick Gibb visited BASF Agricultural Specialties Limited in Littlehampton, a division of the multinational chemicals company, BASF. The division is based on Lineside Industrial estate in Littlehampton.

Nick Gibb visited Lister's, a small micro brewery in Ford Lane, Arundel, where 100,000 litres of beer are brewed a year.

Nick Gibb visited Edgcumbes Coffee Roasters in Ford Lane, just outside Yapton.

The company was established in 1981 but turnover has doubled over the last three years, with it now approaching £1 million a year. They employ 20 people and also have a very successful coffee shop.

Nick Gibb MP attended a Shopmobility fundraising coffee morning at their premises at the Bradbury Centre in St Martin’s Lane in Littlehampton. 

Nick Gibb went to see the studio of Dr Neil Lawson Baker in West Ashling. Neil Lawson Baker is a British artist, sculptor, photographer and author of children’s books. Before becoming an artist Neil spent a career as a dentist in London.

Nick Gibb visited Funtington Primary School in West Ashling in Chichester, together with Councillor Louise Goldsmith, leader of West Sussex County Council

The school is rated ‘good’ by Ofsted. The school is small with just 87 pupils. The head teacher is Mrs Sarah Titley.