One of the many things I enjoy about my job is the wide range of events, organisations, businesses and Parliamentary duties I attend and undertake. These past two weeks have been no exception.
Last week I met the owners of a new start up business, Squashed Fox. Squashed Fox are a production company based in Southend. Meeting the owners who have recently left university and are setting out on this exciting venture was really exciting and I wish them every success.
I was able to attend the re-opening of Prittlewell Priory which has recently undergone huge financial investment and restoration. It looks magnificent and is now open to the public. I would really recommend you go and have a look around.
I met with Superintendent Andy Prophet at Southend Police Station We discussed issues and concerns across both Rochford and Southend. These meetings are invaluable as it enables me to get a real insight into the issues that are happening at the grass roots within the community and what steps are being taken to not only address the problems but also preventing them.
Both Rochford and Southend are home to a huge variety of businesses, from sole traders to companies employing hundreds. These range from sponge manufacturing to surgical instrument production, accountants and book keepers to shoe manufacturers, call centres to aviation seating. This week I went and visited Swiftclean, and established business that has been trading for thirty years and specialise in kitchen extract and ductwork cleaning and also legionella prevention services.
The constituency I represent is such a diverse constituency. Seeing so many different businesses, each offering something unique and providing employment to local residents is something we should never take for granted.