Portsmouth North MP Amanda Martin has praised the businesses at the heart of the city’s economy after a series of visits to local employers, from start-ups to major industry leaders, highlighting the strength, innovation, and creativity of Portsmouth’s business community.
Over the past few weeks, Amanda has met with companies large and small that are not only creating good, secure jobs but also investing in Portsmouth’s long-term future.
“From local innovators to national players, Portsmouth businesses are proving that our city is open for business and booming,” said Amanda Martin MP. “These are the firms that keep our economy moving, provide jobs for local people, and support vital public services.”
Among the highlights of Amanda’s business tour, here are some of the businesses she’s met with:
- Hippo Waste has collected over 100,000 Hippo bags since 2006! They are also doing great work in recycling the waste they collect and supporting Portsmouth’s green economy.
- Vivid Homes is delivering much-needed housing to meet local demand, Amanda joined the ground breaking ceremony at Tipner. These new houses and apartments will create much needed housing for Portsmouth locals.
- Southern Co-op is investing in new technology to tackle shoplifting and protect staff safety. All whilst staying true to its principles of fairtrade, fair pay and encouraging young people into work.
- Bubble CI-Tea, founded by Sunny a Portsmouth local born and bred whose business continues to grow from its grassroots beginnings. They have just opened a new site in Gunwharf supplied by its warehouse in Hilsea.
- Cobra Coffee who own a number of Starbucks stores across the region all being managed from its Portsmouth base and have exciting plans for future expansion.
- H&S Aviation is now Europe’s largest turbine engine repair company, based in Hilsea they are providing good skilled jobs for local people.
- Mountjoy who work closely with the city council to maintain it’s housing stock are also partnering with charities like Baton of Hope to strengthen community ties.
- Vespasian Security a family-owned business who are now a national company rooted in reliability and have a real passion for our community.
- Harwin is investing over £30 million in a new advanced manufacturing site in Farlington as well as expanding its apprenticeships offer for young people.
- Portico, based in Portsmouth International Port, handles 50% of the UK’s banana imports, underscoring the city’s strategic trade importance.
Amanda continued: “Under Labour, business confidence is at a 12-year high. With major new trade deals secured with the EU, America, and India, Portsmouth firms are well placed to grow, export, and create even more well-paid, secure jobs.
I’ll be the first to acknowledge that businesses have played a huge role in fixing the foundations of the country, and I want to thank the efforts of businesses and workers across Portsmouth, we’re seeing real progress. NHS waiting lists are falling, ambulance delays are no where like what they used to be, and public services are starting to recover. That’s only possible because our economy is getting stronger and local businesses are playing their part.”
Amanda also thanked local employers for investing in Portsmouth, she added: “Thank you for investing in our great city, for backing our people, and for doing your bit. Now it’s our turn to back you. Labour is slashing red tape, investing in skills, and making sure that good work means fair pay, strong rights, and long-term security.”
“Together, we’re building a stronger economy and a stronger Portsmouth.”
