MP taken for a ride

During a visit to Watsonian-Squire, a leading manufacturer and exporter of motorcycle sidecars since 1912 taht is based in his Cotswold constituency, Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP had an opportunity to take a ride in one of the company’s sidecars and also to hear of the experience of the firm in surviving the recession (one of many in its 98-year history!)
The visit was of particular interest to Mr Clifton-Brown through his work as the Shadow Minister for International Trade and Development, with responsibility for supporting British Exporters; the company produces approximately 300 sidecars per year, exporting over 50%, with Japan - the country widely credited with destroying the power of the British motorcycle industry - being their biggest export market.
One of the key themes discussed at the meeting was the burden of legislation imposed upon businesses - the  managment team at Watsonian-Squire explained that keeping pace with a constant stream of new laws and directives absorbs huge amounts of time that should be spent on growing the business.
Speaking after the visit Mr Clifton-Brown said “Everything I have seen today has greatly impressed me, from the management side of the business to the craftsmanship and pride the staff take in manufacturing such an excellent product”