Michelle Scrogham MP
Barrow and Furness
ABOUT ME
Where I'm from
Born and raised in Ulverston, I’ve an in-depth understanding of the challenges and possibilities for our unique peninsula. I’ve experienced the same hardships that local people are still facing; growing up on a council estate and understanding what it feels like to face financial worries.
Standing up for our communities
My drive in life is Community. I believe it's the bedrock of a lot of the best things in life and when we work together we can achieve incredible things. I like to be busy and the many different roles I take on, ensure that I am. I've found that the links between so many jobs, businesses, levels of government and groups is the key to producing results. ​​
Campaigning
I'm passionate about our High Streets, I see them as the heart of the Community along with being the largest employer in the UK. This, and my love of working with the public was behind starting my business in 2005.
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I'm dedicated to making a difference in the battle against climate change. I support greening our towns and reducing our carbon footprints, most recently by going plastic free for the hugely popular Dickensian Festival, planting trees and working towards more green spaces, working with suppliers who understand the need for more climate friendly and organic products and researching and advising businesses on energy reduction.
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I campaign heavily on accessibility, both on transport and around our towns for a more inclusive society and would like to see more town centres not only benefit from the £249 billion in purple pound they're currently missing out on, but allow those with disabilities, access to what many of us take for granted.
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Working Life
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I’m owner of the business I set up in 2005 – Pure, a high street retail and online business. I’m deeply involved in the community, volunteering with many of the local festivals and organising the largest, Ulverston Dickensian Festival, for the past 8 years. I’m proud to be part of this volunteer committee which brings approx. £3 million to Furness each year.
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My early career was in banking, working locally in Barrow, Dalton, Millom and Ulverston and ensured I was well known to the community.
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During my years at the bank I was shocked at the levels of discrimination and never one to back down in the face of injustice, I became a union rep and eventually the Jointly Accredited Rep for the North West Region, and Chair of the Banking Insurance & Finance Union North West. I spent many years representing members facing redundancy, bullying, harassment and disciplinary issues, and regularly spoke on their behalf at BIFU's National Annual Conference.
My skills and experience in this area are a valuable tool for representing constituents, negotiating and fighting for Furness.
I've worked hard over the years to deliver benefits to the wider community wherever possible, enriching lives and improving services in whatever role or job I've held, be that in business, as a school Governor, banking, union rep, festival organiser or local government. I will continue to do that and much more as your Member of Parliament.