Subcontractor gives Business and Enterprise Minister work experience

Nick Groom, managing director of subcontractor Qualiturn Products, Hertford, was chosen to provide the Minister with an insight into the manufacturing sector. Mr Prisk said "My day working with Qualiturn Products has given me more invaluable experience and has emphasised the fantastic work going on at small businesses all over the country. This month I set out a number of ways the Government will create the right long-term environment to help many more people start and grow their businesses. Today has underlined why this is so important. Spending the day with one of Britain's hard working small companies has left me even more convinced that together we can make the coming years the most entrepreneurial in our history." Topics of discussion were extensive, ranging from capital allowances, business rates and the extension of the Enterprise Finance Guarantee facility, through the relative merits of banking practices in different countries and the threat of overseas competition, to the greater role that colleges could play in nurturing apprentices. Mr Groom commented: "We are delighted to welcome Mark Prisk in his capacities as both Business and Enterprise Minister and our local MP. "Qualiturn doubled in size at the end of last year in terms of factory space and it is pleasing that Mr Prisk has been able to see the progress we have made since he opened our current premises six years ago. Following difficult trading in 2009, we surged ahead last year to our highest ever turnover, despite the cost of nickel- and copper-based raw materials being at a record high. "Now that Government seems to be taking a real interest in the factors that promote and curtail businesses like ours, hopefully we can look forward to a renaissance in UK manufacturing in the years ahead."