CHIPPENHAM MP Michelle Donelan has visited a Melksham company as part of a Treasury fact-finding tour ahead of next Monday’s Budget (October 29).

She took Liz Truss, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, to Quantum Special Effects in Bowerhill, Melksham, on Friday, October 19.

Quantum SFX is a leading international pyrotechnics and special effects business.

Ms Donelan said: “The visit was part of a series of South West visits to talk with owners and employees to listen to their ideas and needs ahead of the Budget.”

The company showcased some effects to the Minister that had been designed and made in Melksham. Clients include Adele, the X Factor and Take That.

Shaun Barnett, owner of Quantum SFX, spoke about some of the challenges in his industry and how Government can continue to support businesses.

Liz Truss said: “It was great to visit the Quantum SFX and see how from a small base in Wiltshire they are exporting globally and creating jobs locally.

“It is important that we listen to the views of business to support them in their continued growth and it was great to be able to do this first hand ahead of the budget in the coming week.”

Michelle Donelan said: “I have met with Quantum SFX here in Melksham a number of times since being elected in 2015 and was delighted to give a Melksham business the opportunity to speak directly to a Treasury Minister.

“They are an innovative local job creator who wowed the children at the last Wiltshire Festival of Engineering that I arranged.”