UKIP call on successful Wordsley business (From Stourbridge News)

UKIP call on successful Wordsley business

2:59pm Wednesday 17th March 2010 in News

l-r Karinna Sellars (partner in Okra), Maddie Westrop and MEP Mike Nattrass Buy this photo »

UKIP politicians called at a successful Wordsley business to see how the region’s industrial heritage can beat the recession.

Prospective parliamentary candidate Maddie Westrop joined West Midlands MEP Mike Nattrass for a visit to Okra Glass, Queen Street, on Monday March 15.

Okra has been producing unique glassware for 30 years and last year doubled its turnover in spite of the tough economic climate.

Mr Nattrass, who is a member of the EU’s Transport and Tourism Committee, has family ties to the area where his relatives worked in the cut glass industry and at The Dial Glassworks.

He said: “This is an industry that has got to be kept going otherwise we will lose all of those glassmaking skills.

“The company deserve praise for ensuring Stourbridge continues to be at the forefront of glassmaking. Stourbridge is the birthplace of glassmaking and Okra is continuing that proud tradition.

Maddy Westrop, who will be fighting the general election for UKIP in the Stourbridge constituency, said: “Okra is a small, agile and innovative company that has built its own capital equipment without taking on debt. They recycle most of their glass waste.

“We have got to get young people involved in the industry or it will die out. Training is key.