We’ve had an interesting week in Parliament to start the political year and it was largely dominated by the Prime Minister’s reshuffle of her Ministers. There was a clear move towards bringing in more recently elected MPs, as well as more women. We have a wealth of fresh talent on our front bench and I’m looking forwarded to seeing them in action and working with them over the coming weeks and years.
One of the biggest changes to come out of the reshuffle was a revamp of the Conservative Party machinery, with a new Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Party, as well as ten new Vice Chairmen. I think we all saw that the Party had some catching up to do after last year’s General Election. These new appointments will help ensure that we continue to be forward looking and represent all parts of our United Kingdom.
The same can’t be said for those on the Opposite Benches, with problems with Labour’s front bench team. Last week one of Jeremy Corbyn’s most trusted advisors, Chris Williamson, reiterated his support for doubling council tax. He has now spectacularly resigned as a Labour Shadow Minister but not for being wrong but for revealing Labour’s plans to the electorate before the local elections.
One of the great things about being a Member of Parliament is that I’m often invited to meet with businesses and organisations you wouldn’t expect to be in our town. Lurking in the middle of industrial estates and behind boring factory fronts are exciting and innovative companies that most people wouldn’t know existed – you wouldn’t, for example, believe that passports and currency from all around the world is designed in my constituency, or that missiles are manufactured by highly trained local engineers here, either. One of the perks of my job is that I get to raise the flag for some of the interesting – and surprising – things that happen in Bolton West & Atherton.
I had the opportunity to visit one of Atherton’s fastest growing businesses not so long ago, to find out more about their plans for the future.
Behind an unassuming building on Chanters Industrial Estate off Tyldesley Old Road, is Shorrock Trichem’s headquarters. From their state of the art offices, they employ 300 people – and they’re growing. They are one of the country’s leading laundry equipment providers, as well as providing coffee machines and a whole host of other services, and they’ve just acquired another business as well. They have some exciting plans for the future, meaning more jobs and more opportunities here locally, so good news all around.
The future certainly looks bright for them and I look forward to watching them grow.
It’s not just about expanding current businesses, though. Entrepreneurs are creating jobs in the heart of Atherton. Last week I popped over to meet Phil Stout who has set up Photo Gifts Now Limited in Victoria Mill. This is an exciting new company making prints, canvasses and even phone cases in one of Atherton’s most iconic buildings. It’s wonderful to see our industrial heritage kept alive in new and innovative ways. It’s also fantastic to see companies setting up in the centre of our town, giving local people an option to work right here and avoid a commute. I know Atherton will get behind them.
And lastly, I’m in the process of organising a Pensioners’ Advice and Information next month to take place at Dorset Road Community Centre in Atherton. If you know of an organisation who may like to hold a stall, please do let me know – you can phone my office on 01942 409132 or email me directly at [email protected]. My last one in Horwich was a big success and I’m hoping one in Atherton will be of similar use to local people.