RACHEL Maclean, MP for Redditch, recently visited two key Redditch-based businesses and found much to celebrate.

She visited Lakeside-based Heartbeat Manufacturing, a design and manufacturing company specialising in retail display innovation.

It also has the Heartbeat UK engineering training academy, a centre which aims to give unemployed people the skills they need to get jobs.

The MP said: “This academy was only opened in May by HRH the Duke of Kent, and Heartbeat is a great example of a company innovating in their market to stay relevant. They started out as traditional Redditch spring-making business, but now supply bedroom furniture to hotels.

“They have also invented here in Redditch a ground-breaking store display product to dispense bottles on retail shelves.”

Ms Maclean then went on to visit Ubi-Tech, based in Far Moor Lane.

The firm is a specialist provider of engineering and training services to the telecommunications industry, including to giant in the industry, Ericsson.

She said: “Ubi-Tech train a lot of ex-forces personnel and are going from strength to strength. They want to bring innovative and cutting edge technology, such as Li-Fi (UV-visible light communication instead of radio-frequency) to Redditch.”

The MP added: “Both were fascinating visits and it was interesting to note that while both businesses are mindful of Brexit and some of the short-term challenges this may bring, they are looking forward to the future with enthusiasm and are ready to embrace the opportunities it will provide.”

Rachel took along Redditch borough and Worcestershire county councillor Tom Baker-Price to her visits as part of her policy to work closely with local representatives.