Earlier this week I helped to organise a meeting in Downing Street on trade matters. This was a valuable chance for me to raise some of the challenges that businesses in Stourbridge tell me they face when thinking about selling abroad for the first time, but it also highlighted the opportunities overseas. Research shows that on average businesses earn £100,000 in additional sales within 18 months of working with UK Trade & Investment to explore other markets.

I attended a number of other interesting meetings this week including one with Foreign Office Ministers, where we discussed some of the latest foreign policy issues affecting the UK. I was also pleased to join a meeting on the Equality of Care for Neuroendocrine Cancers. It was useful to discuss the importance of promoting earlier diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumours and how we can ensure that all patients get equal access to the expertise, treatments, and care that is available.

Tomorrow I have to stay in Parliament for an important debate about the Europe Referendum Bill, which secures a referendum should the Conservatives win the next election.

After this is finished I will be travelling up to Stourbridge and on Saturday I am looking forward to visiting a number of local businesses.

I am due to visit Safebuys in Cradley which has re-opened more than two months after a fire severely damaged the store and destroyed most of its contents. I will also be dropping into Colley Gate Computers who have recently won a national IT Reseller Award. The store is holding an open day with free prize draws and refreshments, so no doubt I will see lots of local residents there.

I am delighted to be able to join Stourbridge FC for their FA Cup tie with Biggleswade Town this Saturday.

I will be going to the match with Mike Wood, the Conservative candidate for Pedmore, and will be keeping my fingers crossed for the team Remembrance Sunday is always a very special day and it is important for us to honour the troops who selflessly fought for our country, and all those who continue to do so. I try to attend as many of the local services and parades as possible and this year I am pleased to be joining those in Lye, Mary Stevens Park, and Cradley.

Margot can be contacted on 01384 370574 or margot.james.mp@parliament.

uk. You can also sign up to her regular newsletter at www.margotjames.

com/subscribe or you can write to her at 15-17 Lawn Avenue, Stourbridge, DY8 3UR.