TODAY sees the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement. Recently it’s become as important as the main Budget, when the Government sets out its spending and taxation plans.

Some of the measures have been widely trailed in the last few days, including extra money for the NHS, a big investment in our roads infrastructure and more spending on the nation’s flood defences.

Today I hope we will see further moves to reduce taxation for those in lower pay brackets, and a number of other ‘good news’ announcements.

Given that we are now just five months from the General Election, everyone will be watching the Chancellor very closely.

George Osborne has been the architect of the long-term economic plan, which is now showing signs of success.

The best indicator of the UK’s strength is the fact that companies are prepared to invest here, expand their businesses and employ more people.

We have a perfect example in Swindon. Patheon in Covingham & Dorcan is one of the leading companies in the so-called ‘life sciences’ sector, for which Swindon is earning a reputation as a centre of excellence.

Life sciences is a broad term which covers research, innovation and the use of technology in our health and care services.

The UK has one of the strongest and most productive life sciences sectors in the world, generating turnover of over £50 billion.

The sector comprises nearly 5,000 companies and employs an estimated 175,000 people.

Life sciences in the UK not only help people enjoy better health, well-being and quality of life, but also support employment and growth.

Recently Justin Tomlinson and I visited Patheon. It’s a global manufacturing company which provides services to the pharmaceutical industry and employs over 450 people here in Swindon.

We were encouraged to hear that it is investing further in the Swindon plant by opening a new facility next year which will aim to manufacture and launch new products.

I’ve taken a personal interest and involvement in Patheon’s future in Swindon ever since it announced redundancies in 2012.

The story is a much better one now. It’s a huge vote of confidence in Swindon and in the British economy in general.

Other big players in the life sciences sector are also proud to call Swindon home – notably BD and Catalent, both of which I’ve also visited.

It’s all part of Swindon’s well-deserved and long-standing reputation as a town at the cutting edge of innovation, and a great place to do business.

Finally a word about this week’s surgery. I will be at the new Morrisons in Regent Circus this Friday from 9.30am to 11am.

No appointment is necessary, but if you have a complex case, please call the office first on 01793 533393.