Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg attended a question and answer session at the British Muslim Heritage Centre.

The Patchwork Foundation in Manchester was sponsored by Lance Mason Solicitors and AMS Accountants Group.

The evening also attended by Manchester MP John Leech, was a rare opportunity for students, local entrepreneurs and other members of the community in Greater Manchester to participate in the national political discussion with government figures .

The Patchwork Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that helps under-represented, deprived communities within British society to be heard by political figures and works towards a more understanding, unified Britain.

Mark Fallon, Chief Operating Officer at Lance Mason, one of the sponsors and speakers at the event said, “Lance Mason was privileged to be involved in the event. It gave us the opportunity, first hand, to see the great work that Patchwork carry out around the integration of minority groups from a political perspective."

“I was also pleased to illustrate how important embracing a diverse workforce is to Lance Mason and explain how diversity has benefited us a business."

Ebrahim Sidat, Managing Director of AMS Accountants Group, another sponsor and speaker, said, "AMS Accountants Group is pleased to have been involved in facilitating an engaging evening with Nick Clegg for our client base and the wider Manchester community.

"The onus is on us, as young entrepreneurs and business owners, to take more of an active role in fulfilling our responsibilities to all the stakeholders within our businesses, and events like this are part of that responsibility.

"It is fantastic to be able to engage with political leaders, and work to make a change for the better in our local economy. We are proud to have been involved in making this evening happen, and we hope it was a valuable experience for everyone involved."

The Deputy Prime Minister is regularly involved in Q&A sessions that reach out to under-represented groups of the community.

When asked about his involvement in the evening Manchester MP John Leech said, “I want to pay tribute to the Patchwork Foundation who put on a great event, and Nick who was on great form.

"There was no censorship. No subject was off limits. There was no handpicked audience. I’m not sure the other party leaders could have handled such an event the way Nick did.”

(Photographs courtesy of Rooful Ali / aliway.co.uk)