IT might have been a gloomy day for Maria Miller, who chose it to resign as culture secretary, but it was a sunny day in Westminster for businesses from South Worcestershire which gathered at the Houses of Parliament for the launch of the book Grow In Wychavon. West Worcestershire member Harriett Baldwin was just one of several MPs who mingled with some of the 52 businesses featured in the book and had travelled down for the launch. Its aim is to inspire young people and tomorrow’s entrepreneurs to consider Wychavon as the perfect place to set up a business.

Councillor Paul Middlebrough, leader of Wychavon District Council, said: “It was inspirational and proud day for all the businesses enabling them to promote themselves as well as the Wychavon brand”. While Wychavon entrepreneur Ken Felton, owner of Fruit Salad in Pershore, added: "It was a great opportunity for everyone to meet different MPs and to take our book to Westminster to highlight our message about Wychavon being a great place to do business."

Further flavour was added to the event when Gus The Asparagus Man served guests toffee & waffle together with humbug ice cream, two political flavours were created for the day by Churchfield Ice Cream of Salwarp, near Droitwich.

www.growinwychavon.co.uk is the brainchild of Wychavon District Council who have also persuaded the businesses involved to offer 20, year-long work placements for young people leaving school in 2014/15.

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