Despite massive economic pressures in the UK and across Europe, local manufacturers continue to do business and employ thousands of people. Today Toby Perkins, Labour Member of Parliament for Chesterfield and Shadow Minister for Small Business, nominated ‘Chesterfelt, a Sheepbridge firm specializing in the production of roofing membranes, for the ‘Made by Britain’ award which celebrates top quality British manufacturing and innovation in increasingly competitive worldwide markets.

Mr. Perkins met with Managing Director, Peter Holland, and senior members of staff to formally nominate the firm. The Associate Parliamentary Manufacturing Group, having kick-started the initiative, has challenged all 650 MPs across the country to highlight the work of businesses so fundamental to local communities and employment.

Toby Perkins MP with MD Peter Holland (front left) and other managers at Chesterfelt in the factory demo area.

The Shadow Minister for Small Business also offered his continued support to firms such as Chesterfelt which compete against low cost European firms. He also praised the management following Chesterfelt’s best ever year during 2010 in which the firm turned over around £10 million.

Following the visit Mr. Perkins said:-

“I was delighted to visit this impressive business and to formally nominate Chesterfelt for the ‘Made in Britain’ initiative. Chesterfelt and other firms in this area are so important to driving forward the local economy, and projects such as this one help highlight what Britain does best. We have a history of making things in the UK, often better than anywhere else in the world. We should now be aiming to support new and existing businesses such as this through tough times as well as good, to attract jobs and investment to the town and ensure they can compete not just nationally but across the globe”.