Local Member of Parliament, Kate Griffiths welcomed Jacob Rees-Mogg MP, Minister for Brexit Opportunities and Government Efficiency, to Uttoxeter yesterday (Thursday 12th May) for a visit to Elkes Biscuits.
The two Members of Parliament toured the local factory and were able to see the manufacturing process themselves as well as take part in the opportunity to help make some biscuits themselves and meet factory workers and discuss their roles.
The Minister and Ms Griffiths also held discussions with the factory’s senior leadership team about the site’s business operations and trade opportunities that might be open to them following Brexit.
The factory was recently sold to Boparan Holdings, new investors who saved the site from a risk of closure and the loss of over 500 jobs.
Commenting, Kate Griffiths MP said:
“Uttoxeter is proud to make many of the nation’s favourite biscuits and I was delighted to be able to welcome Jacob to Uttoxeter on his visit to Elkes Biscuits to see for himself the operation of one of our largest local employers.
“In recent months this site has faced a lot of uncertainty but speaking today with the new leadership team they have bold plans for its future and to ensure its place in our town.”
Minister Jacob Rees-Mogg added:
"It was a delight to accompany Kate Griffiths to Elkes Biscuits in Uttoxeter and discover a British business which is thriving following the pandemic. Elkes is investing in automation and selling classic British biscuits far and wide.
“Visiting businesses like Elkes, and supporting local MPs like Kate is exactly why the Cabinet came to Stoke on Trent, to really see what levelling up means in practice: new jobs, a growing economy, and prosperous, happy people."
