The annual event sees state politicians visit a number of small businesses in their electorate to discuss problems they face as well as how they deal with issues.

Pollies for Small Business is organised by the NSW Business Chamber. The Scone Chamber of Commerce selected Hunter Valley Bricks and Pavers for Mr Souris’s Upper Hunter Shire visit.

He also visited the Dungog Newsagency and Kirkwood Produce in Singleton.

Mr Souris said he knew about pressures such as interest rates and petrol prices, but different businesses had different problems and it was interesting to see how it related to the building industry.

Jean Towse from Hunter Valley Bricks and Pavers said fuel was, and still is, a huge issue along with interest rates and the cost of employment and workers compensation.

“We’re pretty lucky in Scone that the building industry hasn’t eased off too much,” Mrs Towse said.

Mrs Towse said there was still new building happening in Scone but there were fewer renovations.

“We are lucky we are in a fairly affluent area,” she said.

Mr Souris said all the politicians would discuss their experiences from the Pollies for Small Business visits so they could pool their ideas and have a better understanding of an important section of the community