Kate Kniveton, the Member of Parliament for Burton and Uttoxeter has today (Thursday 7th September) visited WH Mason & Son Ltd in Wetmore Road to meet with business owner Mike Cherry and his son, Jason Cherry.
Now in its fifth generation, Mike’s family business has been operating in Burton since 1897, manufacturing a range of brewery-related equipment. Products include wooden cask taps, water butt taps and wine making taps as well as whisky barrel shives.
In recent years, Jason has expanded the family business, diversifying into wood carved products and personalised engravings. They now also sell a range of goods and gift ideas such as coasters, chopping boards and pens.
The trio discussed the family’s concerns with business rates linked to floor space as their business particularly require a large amount of space for storing wood as well as the jobs market and the difficulty of hiring staff.
Ms Kniveton also took the visit as an opportunity to congratulate Mike Cherry on being made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his work with the Federation of Small Business, helping to promote business and international trade. Mr Cherry was amongst the first to be part of the first Birthday Honours of His Majesty King Charles lll.
Commenting, Kate Kniveton MP said:
“As brewery capital of the world, WH Mason & Son Ltd is well situated in Burton to supply across the brewing market and they remain one the sector’s largest suppliers. It was useful to speak with Mike and Jason, to hear their concerns but also their ambitions for the business.
“It was also great to hear the history from Mike and his son Jason about the family-run business and to once again congratulate Mike on his CBE. I wish them both well for the future and best wishes to Mike ahead of his investiture presentation!”
