PRIME MINISTER David Cameron has praised a book which promotes businesses across Evesham and Pershore and has even graced the corridors of the House of Commons.
The PM wrote to Pershore’s MP Harriett Baldwin after she hosted a function at Westminster on behalf of Wychavon District Council and their book ‘Grow in Wychavon’.
The book, which features stories of 52 businesses working across the district, was unveiled by Harriett at the celebration lunch.
MPs from the across the county and further afield including Worcestershire MPs Sir Peter Luff and Robin Walker attended the launch along with 30 of the businesses featured in the book.
Makhan Singh Padda and Bal Padda from Vicarage Nurseries in Bretforton were among those in attendance and teamed up with Mrs Baldwin to hand over a goodie bag featuring a copy of the book, local produce and even a personalised football shirt
for the Prime Minister.
In response, Mr Cameron thanked the West Worcestershire MP for the gifts and praised the efforts of Wychavon District Council.
In his letter, he wrote: “It is great to hear about how innovative businesses are succeeding in the West Worcestershire area.
“Small and medium sized businesses are key, especially in rural areas of the country, for our future prosperity and economic recovery.”
The Prime Minister also asked Harriett to discuss the event with him in more detail at their next meeting.
Mrs Baldwin said: “I was keen to make sure the Prime Minister got a copy of the book and also some of the lovely produce that was on offer during the event.
“More than 30 business took the time to come and visit Parliament and they got to talk to MPs about why Wychavon is a great place to do business.
“It was great to see so many people make the trip to Westminster and I hope that they found it a useful trip.
“I am delighted by this response from Number 10 and I look forward to filling him about the campaign in due course.
“I hope someone spots the PM in his Growers FC football shirt which we also presented to him as he goes on his morning jogs this summer!”
Further flavour was added to the event when Evesham’s Gus The Asparagus Man served guests Toffee and Waffle together with Humbug ice cream.
Both political flavours were created by Droitwich’s Churchfields Ice Cream especially for the day and Mrs Baldwin took time out from the event to meet Fiona Roberts from the company.
Wychavon District Council have also persuaded the businesses involved to offer 20, year-long work placements for young people leaving school in 2014/15.
Visit www.growinwychavon.co.uk for more information.
The Growers United shirt presented to Harriett Baldwin MP by Makhan Singh Padda and Bal Padda from Vicarage Nurseries in Bretforton. (s)
