MP Mel Stride, who founded franchise exhibition business Venture Marketing Group, has been promoted in a government reshuffle that will see him take on a role in the business department.

MP Mel Stride, who founded franchise exhibition business Venture Marketing Group, has been promoted in a government reshuffle that will see him take on a role in the business department.

He will serve as parliamentary private secretary to John Hayes, minister for further education, skills and life-long learning, advising him on business issues.

Stride, who started his business 25 years ago, comments, ‘I see my new role as an opportunity to promote business and as someone who understands the value and importance of quality franchising, this will be very much on my agenda.’