A popular former MP is embarking on a second life in business after narrowly missing out on re-election.

Eastbourne representative Stephen Lloyd was one of many Liberal Democrat parliamentarians out of work after the general election in May.

After telling supporters he could not afford to spend the next five years campaigning for re-election, he has now secured a top job in his home town – avoiding the dreaded commute to London.

He said he was delighted to join international event, broadcast, multimedia communications and exhibition company West End as business development director.

Mr Lloyd was an experienced businessman before joining parliament and at a recent event enjoyed an ovation from some 400 business leaders.

Reflecting on what he had learnt from parliament, he called for reform of the procurement process to enable SMEs to bid for government contracts as part of a consortium or group.

Mr Lloyd said: “I think businesses need to understand government is extremely complicated – if it was simple the processes would be much simpler.

“But I think government could do better in making procurement simpler and more open.

“It doesn’t make sense for the government to have millions of tiny contracts with small companies.

“But I think the government could really learn from the energy and creativity of the SME sector.”

Mr Lloyd tipped Eastbourne as a town on the up, as businesses such as Legal and General Property help in the £85 million revamp of the Arndale Centre and Lewes-born restaurant chain Bill’s heading to the town.

He said: “You ain’t seen nothing yet. I think we’ve got huge potential.

“This is a town with a sense of self. People who live here love it. And there’s a real support for private enterprise.”

But in order to thrive, urgent investment is needed in the A27 in East Sussex.

He added: “It’s a third world road in a first world country.

“In the 21st century its ridiculous – it’s so bad it’s absurd.

“I really would hope the Conservatives put their money where their mouth is and invest.” Under chief executive Graham Power, West End has a team of 40 and an international client portfolio that extends across the world.

The specialist creative agency works across many highly regulated sectors including ethical healthcare, finance and corporate communications.

Graham said: “We are all delighted Stephen has agreed to join us. His proven track record of delivering results, his hard working principles and his focus on creating and building solutions represents a perfect match for West End.”