Andrew Mitchell MP, Shadow Minister for Birmingham, has paid a visit to one of the city’s leading manufacturers. Joined by Conservative parliamentary candidate for Yardley, Meirion Jenkins, Andrew Mitchell met with Charles Horsfall, owner and CEO of Yardley-based Webster and Horsfall – manufacturers of the first trans-Atlantic telegraph cable – to discuss the company’s expansion plans.
Charles Horsfall, CEO of Webster and Horsfall, said: “Webster and Horsfall has been making wire and cable in Yardley since 1720, having re-invented ourselves several times along the way. We are now embarking upon a 10 year investment program to modernise our plant and equipment and introduce new products with a higher element of value added.
“Part of our existing site will become a new industrial park, thereby attracting further employment to the area. I was delighted that Andrew, as Shadow Minister for Birmingham, was able to take such a close interest in our plans.”
Meirion Jenkins, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Birmingham Yardley, said: “Unemployment in Yardley has risen by over 44 per cent since Labour came to power and there are now 14 people chasing every job in the constituency.”
“I trained in Midlands manufacturing and feel very strongly that we have to re-invigorate manufacturing. Since 1997 we’ve gone backwards, with output down 10 per cent. With a program of real training for the young and financial incentives for business to create employment, I will prioritise working with local firms to increase growth and employment.”
Andrew Mitchell MP, Shadow Minister for Birmingham, added: “Local businesses such as Webster and Horsfall, who play a vital role in the region’s economy, need more protection from the economic downturn, not less. Yet more businesses have gone bankrupt during Labour’s recession than in any previous recession. “
“That is why the Conservatives under David Cameron are committed to supporting business and creating new jobs and opportunities by getting credit flowing again through our National Loan Guarantee Scheme, by creating 22,500 new apprenticeships in the West Midlands and by reducing tax on small businesses.”