Heather Wheeler MP heralds “bright future” for Derbyshire manufacturers

The MP for south Derbyshire, Heather Wheeler, has praised the entrepreneurial spirit of staircase manufacturer TwoTwenty during a visit to the firm’s headquarters last week.

Mrs Wheeler toured TwoTwenty’s Foston-based factory and congratulated members of staff on the firm’s recent award wins and continued business growth.

During her visit, Mrs Wheeler praised TwoTwenty for its ambitious growth and development plans despite the uncertain economic climate.

“It’s wonderful to see businesses in Derbyshire thriving,” she said. “TwoTwenty has a fantastic reputation in its industry and is clearly going from strength to strength.

“What’s more, the firm’s staff truly care about the service they give their customers, which was evident to me during my visit to their factory.”

Increase in demand

Ali Wright, TwoTwenty’s founder and director, said: “Despite the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, we’ve seen a significant increase in demand for our staircases in recent months. As a result, we’re investing in every part of the business to make sure we can meet that demand.

“We have a fantastic team who deliver a superb product and service and we will continue to build our business to support our customers even further.”

Brexit opportunities

Echoing comments made by prime minister Theresa May earlier this year, Mrs Wheeler reaffirmed the government’s commitment to helping small- and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) prosper in a post-Brexit Britain.

Mrs Wheeler said: “At her roundtable meeting in August this year, the prime minister made it clear that the growth of the UK economy is very much in the hands of our SMEs.

“I’m proud to represent a constituency where local small businesses are leading the way to a stronger, healthier economy. TwoTwenty is a shining example of a firm that has rolled up its sleeves and worked hard to deliver substantial growth. It’s clear they, and many other Derbyshire-based manufacturers, have a very bright future indeed.”

Recommendations to government

Ahead of the government’s Autumn Statement, which will be published on 23 November, TwoTwenty urged the government to continue offering incentives for manufacturers to invest in new plant and machinery.

Ali Wright said: “The corporation tax incentive offered by the government to help manufacturers invest in new plant has been vital to stimulate growth in recent years.

“However, the current purchase threshold at which investment can be written off against profit is expected to be reduced next year. I strongly urge the chancellor to maintain the current threshold, or raise it, to further assist growth.”

A recent statement from the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) echoed TwoTwenty’s comments.

It said: “Low energy manufacturing must be incentivised, job creation and investment never penalised. When trying to drive investment, it makes no sense to include plant and machinery in rateable value.”

National and local recognition

TwoTwenty’s continued success was recognised at national and local level this year. The British Woodworking Federation (BWF) Awards saw the firm win the Process Efficiency award, while at the Burton Mail Business Awards, TwoTwenty scooped the Overall Business of the Year award.