The Lib Dem was joined on the panel by Bob Baggalley, chief executive of the Colchester Business Enterprise Agency.

Both listened and gave advice to 30 firms at the event in George Williams Way, which was organised by the Essex Federation of Small Businesses.

Sir Bob said: “I believe it is important that MPs are accountable to local business people as well as to local voters and this was an excellent opportunity to report back on some of the work I have been doing, as well as being able to listen to business concerns, answer questions and take on some issues from parliament.

“Topics covered were wide-ranging from the volume of red tape facing small businesses, which adds to over-heads, through to difficulties with Government agencies when trying to import or export or register for VAT.”

Mr Baggalley said: “As an organisation which helps entrepreneurs start their own businesses and provides premises from which small business can work, Colbea fully understands the day to day challenges they face.

“The training courses and business advice we offer help to tackle many of those issues but it is also important that those who make laws realise the impact they have on business viability, which is why we were pleased to host and participate in this event.

“The courses, business advice and support we offer helps tackle many of those issues but it is also important that those who make laws realise the impact they have on business viability which is why we were pleased to host and participate in this event.”

Essex FSB representative for Colchester Denise Stocker said: “This was a no holds barred event which attracted more than 30 local business people keen to hear what their MP had been doing on their behalf and to seek his support on everything from opposing plans to pedestrianise Colchester Town Centre due to the problems it will cause for local retailers through to the impact the ‘right to request scheme’ in the NHS is having on local care businesses.

“Both Sir Bob Russell and Bob Baggalley did an excellent job explaining what they do, answering the questions in a comprehensive way and providing businesses with the support they were looking for to tackle the challenges they face.”

She added: “The event was so successful Essex FSB will be running another Colchester MP Business Advice Centre at Colbea on Friday, July 13 2012 and bookings can be made at http://colchestermpadvicecentre130712.eventbrite.co.uk/ .“