I just spent a great couple of days touring around businesses right across the constituency from the Littleton's in the south to Hartlebury trading estate in the north.
On Thursday I visited businesses in the southern part of the constituency - starting off at Kane's foods then visiting Rotec, the new Stricklands site in Vale Park, Prima Fruit, South Worcestershire College, and Qinetiq.
On Friday I visited businesses in the north of the constituency in and around Droitwich Spa including Magna interiors, DRP Communications agency, and several businesses in the Hartlebury trading estate.
During the tour I officially opened the new six acre storage facility at Strickland MFG in Vale Park in Evesham, further demonstrating how Wychavon continues to be a centre for business growth.
Part of my role as an MP is to support and champion local enterprise and this tour has been extremely useful in increasing my understanding of the strength and diversity of local businesses. It was also very useful to hear about their challenges and discuss what government could do to help.
The overall message I got was that business is good and most firms were very optimistic about their future with many planning to hire more people over the coming year. The visits have given me even greater confidence in the future of the District and the County. It was particularly pleasing to hear about how supportive the District Council has been to so many businesses; and how in tune they are with local business needs.
Thanks to everyone I visited for their hospitality, to Chris Brooks and Phil Merrick from Wychavon for making all the arrangements - and to Cllr Richard Morris for accompanying me throughout the two full days.