Stratford MP says rural firms are '˜backbone of economy' during Whichford visit
Nadhim Zahawi admired retreat facilities at Sally and Andy Birtwell’s Holycombe Holistic Retreat Centre and Campsite, enjoyed a coffee with Maia and Christine at The Straw Kitchen cafe, before a guided tour with Jim and Adam Keeling around The Octagon Gift Shop and Whichford Pottery and watching a pot being thrown.
The party, including Dominique Keeling from Whichford Pottery, was then hosted by Mark Williams at The Norman Knight.
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Hide AdMr Zahawi said rural businesses were the backbone of the rural economy and played a significant role in preserving villages and keeping them vibrant.
The four businesses he visited employ a total of 85 people, full and part-time.
Mr Zahawi said low-impact, financially sustainable small businesses were needed to keep villages alive.
He also discussed the need for extremely careful planning decisions which, however carefully implemented, involved a degree of compromise and tolerance from local residents.