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Local MP Tony Baldry gives help and assistance to local business Oxford Technical Solutions ltd.

11 November 2009

When small business OxTS had its goods seized by UK Border Control it proved very hard to establish any communication link with UK Border Control so that the problem could be resolved. The telephone was not answered and emails were read by never replied to.

"The export of our goods was required to support a major contract in Azerbaijan. People had already flown to Azerbaijan and, without the goods, they could not start," explains Brendan Watts, Director at OxTS.

After two weeks, OxTS turned to their local MP, Tony Baldry, to see what could be done. With contacts in the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), Tony was able to put OxTS in contact with people who could help.

"Members of parliament can give immediate help and assistance to businesses in their constituencies who are experiencing difficulties,"claims Tony Baldry. "I think quite often businesses feel that they shouldn't be bothering their MP but that, in a large part, is what we are here for."

Within a couple of days of receiving support from BIS the situation had been resolved and the goods were free to be shipped.

"It is good to know that there are people in the civil service who are dedicated to resolving problems faced by businesses. Finding these people is often difficult though. We are grateful that Tony was able to put us in contact with the right people," says Brendan.

Three weeks late, the goods finally arrived in Azerbaijan where they will be used on a survey for a new shipping port in Baku.