THE Prime Minister was so keen to hear the commonsense views of the man he’s called a “vociferous and outspoken” North-East business leader, he has appointed him as a Government advisor.

John Wright, former national chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has been asked by David Cameron to join the Business Advisory Group that will inform Government thinking on the key issues affecting the private sector.

Teessider Mr Wright, 67, is the North’s sole representative in the group of ten business experts which will meet Business Secretary Vince Cable and Chancellor George Osborne every quarter.

Mr Wright is determined not to hold back when putting forward the case for the region’s small businesses.

He said: “I have known David Cameron since I was elected chairman of the FSB and he knows that if I hear something I don’t agree with then I am not the type of man to hold my peace.

“If he wanted someone to simply agree with everything he says then he wouldn’t have appointed me.”

Among the actions Mr Wright is pressing the Government to address are to:

● Reduce VAT to boost the UK construction industry;
● Regulate the high street lenders to make banks lend sensibly to viable businesses;
● Encourage public bodies to procure from local suppliers;
● Reform the business rates system to make it more affordable for independent retailers to open outlets on the high street.

Mr Wright is the only delegate on the advisory group not affiliated to a company or business sector and he believes this will help him voice constructive, independent ideas to influence future legislation.

He said: “It is my intention to make sure the voice of the North’s and the UK’s 4.8 million small businesses are heard.

“I share the view held by the Prime Minister and the Business Secretary that small businesses can play a major role in leading the recovery, but they need the tools to deliver.”