One of the things I enjoy most about being your MP is my role as an ambassador for South Northants, particularly promoting our wonderful small businesses who do so much for our local economy. We have so many entrepreneurial companies in our area who are passionate about what they do, and it is always a pleasure when I get to meet some of the people behind them.

At the start of the month, I welcomed the Silverstone Real Ale Brewery into Westminster and met their Head Brewer Tanel Karjus, Director Trevor Wright, and Sales Manager Rob South. I had managed to arrange for their fantastic Ignition ale to be hosted as the Guest of the Week in Strangers’ Bar where MPs and their guests may drink, and I was keen to hear how the brewery was going from strength to strength and about the CAMRA awards they keep winning!

Silverstone is a gem in the beautiful South Northants constituency, and it is great to see the brewery working so closely with our excellent Silverstone Circuit, particularly in their support of the Silverstone Classic weekend in July.

I was also pleased to hear that the brewery is a great supporter of apprenticeships, and is looking to take on two new apprentices as soon as possible. I run my own annual apprenticeship scheme in my Towcester office for local school leavers, and I would encourage all businesses to look at the excellent benefits, to both employer and employee, that an apprenticeship can provide.

The Ignition ale was very popular, and I enjoyed the opportunity to pull a pint with the Silverstone team. It’s always a pleasure to host our local brewers in Parliament and provided me with a rare opportunity to visit the Strangers’ Bar; something that was certainly noted by my colleagues!

I would certainly recommend Ignition to everyone who enjoys a good ale (and is old enough to drink!), and I am looking forward to stopping by the brewery’s pub in Whittlebury, the Fox & Hounds, to sample their excellent menu and perhaps another of their beers!