AS part of a summer Business Week Redditch MP Karen Lumley visited a dozen companies in the town.

Since becoming a MP in 2010 Mrs Lumley has said one of her top priorities is making sure businesses in Redditch and surrounding villages are prospering.

During the week, from August 8 to 12, Mrs Lumley visited a variety of organisations, including The Abbey Hotel, Diamond Bus Company, convenience store Biddles Simply Fresh in Webheath, MHF Truck Hire and Sales in Inkberrow, new retailer on the block PEP & Co in the Kingfisher Centre, and aerospace and automotive supplier Alcoa Fastening Systems and Rings, as well as others.

She said: "Helping and listening to businesses has become a massive part of what I do.

“Having run my own business before I became an MP, I know the challenges that business people face – as well as the rewards of course – and I have always made it my mission to talk to owners, staff and employees, to find out what each business is doing, how they are faring and indeed if there is any help they need from me.

“I am always amazed at the sheer variety of types and sizes of businesses in and around Redditch, and it is always one of the pleasures of my job to take a peek at what they are up to.”

The MP has established a network of more than 150 local business leaders who are invited to meet on a quarterly basis to listen to guest speakers, network and share ideas as well as get access to Government ministers.