An afternoon spent visiting local businesses provided an inspiring end to the day. It was fantastic to see such entrepreneurial and varied companies all operating just a few miles outside of one of the oldest market towns in England.
It reminded me that beneath the rural and historical character of the constituency lie dozens of thriving enterprises that provide well-paid local employment and ensure that this is an area that is beautiful and prospering rather than beautiful and declining.
I visited the Alt Berg shoe factory just outside Richmond. Alt Berg is a family business employing 20 people and with a long history of boot making. Today, the company makes some of the best boots in Europe and is the largest supplier of the boots that all our soldiers wear all over the world. They can make custom boots for anybody (excellent Christmas present idea for my parents, who are big walkers) but as they make every regular boot in half sizes and 5 different widths, there rarely is a need! What a gem of a local business.
I spent time at Waddingtons who have been making farm buildings since 1924. On farm structures, light industrial units, warehouses, riding schools and sports halls, you can see their distinctive 'W' all over Yorkshire! Andrew, his son and I also enjoyed a good chat about our shared interest in Formula 1.
I also managed to sit down with InPipe Products, a pipe manufacturer making complex products being exported all around the world. Their story was instructive: they needed help to find a new site to relocate to and once they did employment expanded from 40 to skilled 60 people. It is important businesses have the infrastructure to support them whether that is space, transport or connectivity.
After dropping on a local auto parts supplier and Randall Orchard, the notable construction firm, we ended the evening at the Aske Estate where the Zetland family has created a thriving business park. Having seen a lot of similar business parks in Silicon Valley, it was great to see the entrepreneurial spirit alive and well in the grounds of one of the most fabulous homes in England.