Prime minister discusses post-Brexit manufacturing with Simon Jersey

Altham-based workwear and uniform provider Simon Jersey hosted prime minister Theresa May’s visit to East Lancashire as part of her general election campaign.

She was supporting local Hyndburn candidate Kevin Horkin, and in the region to discuss the future of manufacturing post-Brexit. During the visit Mrs May promised an industrial sector review and a UK prosperities plan that would benefit manufacturing.

The prime minister was given a tour of Simon Jersey’s head offices and spoke to people across all of its departments. They provided her with an understanding of how the company’s uniform ranges are designed, manufactured and delivered to its 50,000 customers across the globe. She was particularly interested in the work of Simon Jersey’s sewing room team who she joked were “people she should know”.

Commenting on businesses in the region, the prime minister said: “I’m confident we can get a good deal from Brexit that will see companies continuing to want to invest in East Lancashire and in the UK. You’ve already got here companies that are doing well. This is a company here which is exporting around the world, selling its products around the world. This is expertise that can be developed. The company is very much go-getting and out there and developing new markets.”

Anne Yarker, HR Director for Simon Jersey, said: “It’s great to see the prime minister taking an interest in business in Lancashire. We were able to share some of our own recent successes, such as working with Team GB, as well as discussing some of the concerns of businesses in the region. “There are many complex issues for us all to consider ahead of the general election. This was a unique opportunity for our staff to chat to Mrs May. In addition to hosting the prime minister we’ve invited representatives of the opposition to also address our team.”