UK - Geoff Hoon MP recently sang the praises of a local music firm when he visited their factory. The Ashfield MP, who is known for his passion for music, had a tour of Carlsbro Electronics in Kirkby and met a number of apprentices. Carlsbro, which manufactures amplification for bands and musicians, was established in 1959 is one of the few remaining of its kind in the country and continues to go from strength to strength.

In a recent high-profile project, the company created a live music venue in Westminster for 220 MPs. The event was organized to raise the profile of live music and featured live acts such as MP4 - Parliament's first pop band!

Geoff Hoon's visit to Carlsbro was made to coincide with the first ever 'National Enterprise Week' (15-21 November), a government-backed initiative to help foster a more dynamic enterprise culture in the UK. Hoon commented: "The government is committed to building a strong enterprising culture in areas like Ashfield. Reforms have helped businesses start up and grow, including cutting small business tax and improving access to finance for small businesses. And crucially we now have economic stability so businesses can confidently plan ahead and invest for the future. As a result, 3,000 new businesses are starting-up every week.

"In schools and colleges students are now given more opportunity to learn about enterprise, and Modern Apprenticeships are expanding to help equip people with the right skills. We can see this taking shape in Ashfield, for example with Ashfield School's proposals for a new enterprise centre. Carlsbro also work very closely with local schools and organize visits to the factory to inspire the children. Carlsbro is a great example to local small businesses and Ashfield's future entrepreneurs. It's a tremendous success story in the local economy, employing over 50 staff including four apprentices."

(Lee Baldock)


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