Caroline with apprentices Sam Rawks and Jemma Britton

As an MP, helping to build a strong resilient local economy that can consistently deliver benefits for the local community is one of my top priorities.

And recently I met with two groups right at the heart of that vision.

The first was a meeting with local business leaders gathered for a breakfast hosted by Juice FM radio station.

I was invited to speak, and took the opportunity to outline how issues raised by businesses here in Brighton translate into the work I do in Parliament.

I also sought feedback on concerns about the future for businesses in the city.

One of the messages I hear consistently is that businesses need skilled employees, with a thirst for learning, with ambition, with commitment and with motivation.

In Brighton & Hove there is a particular need for employees with skills useful to the city’s digital media cluster, which is growing at a rate of more than three times the UK average.

So I also leant my support to the Sussex Digital Media Apprenticeship scheme launched by City College.

This focuses on skills training and providing employment for a new generation of local digital talent, as well as helping to build the capacity of Brighton & Hove's small and medium enterprises.

I look forward to working more with all those I met – Brighton’s business sector and Brighton’s talented young people - with a view to doing all I can to ensure a prosperous and sustainable future for both.