A cabinet minister has vowed to help Norfolk’s business reap the rewards of new trading opportunities post-Brexit.
Liz Truss, South West Norfolk MP and secretary of international trade, used a visit to Peerless Plastics and Coatings, in Howlett Way, Thetford, to announce plans to help businesses by opening up new trade markets abroad.
Martyn Bromley, chairman of Highlands Group of Companies, which owns Peerless Plastics, got in contact with Ms Truss exactly one year since she helped him to save the jobs of 1,000 employees at Banham Poultry, where he was formally CEO.
Now in the run up to October 31, when Britain will leave the EU, Mr Bromley hopes she can once again help Norfolk businesses.
Ms Truss said: "My job as trade secretary is to open up new markets for British business and to support businesses like Peerless, who want trade with countries like India, Australia, New Zealand and America.
"People want British products, because British represents high quality and they know that we possess some of the most innovative and exciting things on the market today.
"I will do all I can as your local MP to help you to get those customers over seas to sell more of your products.
Peerless Plastics and Coatings are a unique business with the largest plastic coating capability in Europe, and have recently been making trade deals as far as India.
With the plastic industry under scrutiny, Peerless say their hard-coated products last a lot longer without having to be replaced and they are recyclable, which they hope will encourage more trade despite fears of leaving the EU without a deal.
Ms Truss said: "Of course we want a good deal with the EU but we will carry on trading regardless of the situation and I know that the products we produce here in Britain are competitive.
"I think you can see that here at Peerless, how their machine is the most unique in Europe producing these massive pieces of specially coated plastic.
"I would encourage any business who is interested in exporting to get in touch with my department, the department of international trade."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here