While there is still a long way to go, our economy is turning a corner — and the Black Country’s small businesses can claim a big share in this revival.

New figures out this month show that unemployment has fallen again and the private sector has created more than 1.4 million new jobs over the past three years.

Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy — providing nearly half of all private sector jobs. And since 2010 we’ve seen over 300,000 of them start up.

If you know of a great entrepreneur in our area who’s started a business, taken on new staff and deserves to be recognised then let us know about them. Visit www.YourFavouriteSmall- Business.com today.

I have once again been out and about campaigning with freepost surveys for residents to let me know their views.

I joined the Mayor of Dudley to open Midtherm Laser Limited’s £2.2m expansion in Netherton. I also visited Pressvess Limited, Eurocrane (Euro Electrical and Mechanical Limited) and Energy Saving Glass Limited in Kingswinford.

It was good to see more local manufacturing and engineering businesses creating local jobs and helping us export our way to recovery.

I was pleased to visit T Wall Garages in Kingswinford where Dealer Principal, Tim Barnes, reported that sales of their Luton made Vauxhall cars and vans are at near record levels demonstrating a welcome return of consumer confidence.

I also enjoyed visiting Moss Grove Surgery in Kingswinford—where I met Practice Manager, Sonia Clark, Dr Sandra Brindley and staff —and opening the new Pets at Home store at Merry Hill.

I went to E.ON Kingswinford to meet staff and learn about the roll-out of smart meters to their customers across the country which is being spearheaded from the Kingswinford office.

I welcomed long-established Black Country firm, Griffiths & Pegg, to the Dudley borough for the first time in its history by visiting their new Waterfront offices.

I joined Grant Shapps MP, Chairman of the Conservative Party at Black Country Radio in Netherton. You can listen online at www.blackcountryradio.

co.uk.

 Chris Kelly can be contacted via 01384 211 041, office@chriskelly.mp or House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA. You can also read the latest news and views at www.chriskelly.mp.