STALYBRIDGE’S MP has seen how the national policy he promotes can help people on his doorstep.
Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, visited Park Engineering to talk about the Government’s industrial strategy, what it means for them and to drive home its promise of good jobs and better wages.
After touring the facility on Bridge Street, which employs more than 40 people, he spoke of huge local benefits, including bringing down energy and industrial prices, boosting job growth and retention and, in turn, attracting greater investment.
Mr Reynolds said: “I take real pride in what is made locally in my constituency.
“This is a fantastic engineering business. It’s got a huge focus on talent, on young people, on apprenticeships, and it is part of some of the most important programs in the country that really make a difference to our security and to our prosperity.”
Park Engineering – a special purpose plant and equipment company which also supplies to the gas turbine, defence and nuclear sectors – is part of the wider Hyde Group, one of the largest private employers in the region with more than 600 employees.
As part of the industrial strategy, the Government recently announced that plans to slash electricity network costs for energy-intensive businesses by 90 per cent are now in motion as it launched a new consultation.
And after the visit, on Friday, July 18, Mr Reynolds took delight in explaining how what is said in Parliament can impact in Stalybridge.
He added: “I want to be able to tell businesses like these what this government is doing that will make a difference to them.
“That includes energy prices and industrial energy prices, which under the last government were some of the highest in the world.
“We are bringing them down to be extremely competitive with other countries, so we can keep these kind of good jobs and capabilities in the country.
“Investment in skills, particularly in engineering skills, are crucial so that we can provide people with good lives and long careers.”
Paul Cox, sales and marketing director at Hyde Group, said: ‘We were delighted to host Jonathan and his team.
“As a major employer in the region, it’s essential for us to understand the government’s strategy for business so we can align our employment and technical plans accordingly.
“This ensures we’re well-positioned to capitalise on future opportunities.”
Delivering on its promise in the UK’s modern industrial strategy to slash energy costs for heavy industry, on the day Mr Reynolds visited Park Engineering the Government launched a four-week consultation on its plans to increase the discount on businesses’ electricity network charges from 60 per cent to 90 per cent.
It is expected to save about 500 of Britain’s most energy-intensive firms in key sectors like steel, ceramics, glass and chemicals up to £420 million per year from 2026 and bring the UK’s industrial energy prices in line with European competitors.
Speaking of the plans, Mr Reynolds said: “The government is on the side on British industry.
“When we make promises, we deliver on them. That’s why we’re wasting no time in powering ahead with our plans to tackle energy costs for great British businesses and level the playing field.
“The cornerstone of our modern industrial strategy, this landmark new support will meet a longstanding need from industry which other governments shirked – paving the way for new investment and job creation at the heart of our Plan for Change.”