LAST week I talked about the vital role of an MP in helping to promote local businesses which bring jobs and growth to our economy. This week, I’m delighted to have been able to put that in to practice.

On Monday, I visited Tetronics International in South Marston

Not a household name maybe, but a global leader in its particular field, of which Swindon should be proud.

The visit coincided with a major announcement of new funding secured by the Swindon & Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership, or LEP, which will help the business expand.

An expert panel considered applications from small and medium sized businesses from across the region for the second round of Gateway for Growth grants. 11 companies were awarded a total of £348,000. This is expected to boost the area’s economy by more than £10million and create up to 85 new jobs.

As the LEP said, the project is enabling businesses that might otherwise be unable to start new initiatives, to break through barriers and achieve even greater success. These grants will help to show the world the business potential that lies within Swindon and Wiltshire.

Tetronics International will be extending their global reach as a result of their successful application. The business was awarded a grant of £50K to help establish a permanent presence in China.

From its base in Swindon, Tetronics is pioneering new technology for dealing with hazardous industrial waste around the world. Sales growth of 20% over the next two years is anticipated, along with the creation of 11 new jobs here.

Tetronics is one of Swindon’s ‘hidden gems’: most of us will never knowingly encounter their work in our everyday lives, but the technology they produce could have a global impact.

During my visit I was impressed with the skill and dedication of the management and workforce. It’s worth noting that Tetronics is a privately-owned company, and has been since its foundation in 1964, 50 years ago.

Private firms like this are the backbone of our local economy, and I was delighted to have the chance to visit.

The LEP tells me there will be more Gateway for Growth grants available shortly, with the next applications judged in July.

Small and medium sized businesses with at least 10 employees and turnover of at least £500k can apply for grants from £5k to £50k. Funding applications must be able to demonstrate the opportunity and desire to grow, and to increase jobs and productivity.

Finally, a quick word about the Swindon Trauma Group Conference on Friday 6th June at the Marriott Hotel. In this year of the centenary of the 1st World War and the 70th anniversary of the D-Day Landings, it is fitting the Swindon Trauma Group will be looking at the support that we provided then and provide now for our soldiers to cope with post-traumatic stress disorder.

I will be speaking about the parity of self-esteem between mental health and physical health in the NHS, a topic that I have been working on in Parliament for some time.