Trade minister visits 'world class' facilities at Ayrshire firm
Trade minister Douglas Alexander MP paid a visit to Alex Begg Group in Ayr on a trip to Ayrshire last week.
The weaver & knitter of luxury cashmere garments welcomed Mr Alexander on Monday, August 11 alongside Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP Elaine Stewart.
Both MPs were given a tour of the company's "world class" facilities and were shown the process used and the products made by Alex Begg Group.
The visit came about after Ms Stewart extended an invite to Mr Alexander during a the UK's trade agreements programme in the House of Commons in June.
Nick Clark, chief financial officer for Alex Begg Group, said: 'We were delighted to welcome Douglas Alexander and Elaine Stewart to our mill in Ayr where they could see first-hand the beautiful sustainable products we make.
'As a global B Corp business exporting sustainable luxury products to over 35 countries over three continents, we recognise the importance of the trade deals both with the US and India.
'However, we would also like to see an improvement in the requirements for moving product into Europe, an increase in funding for securing local skills as well as reconsidering the cost impact the NI increase continues to have for UK manufacturers.'
A spokesperson for Alex Begg Group said: "We were thrilled that our business, Alex Begg Group was chosen for a ministerial visit on Monday, August 11 by Douglas Alexander, Minister of State for Trade Policy, accompanied by our local MP, Elaine Stewart. This visit came about after the invitation was extended by Elaine during Ministers Question Time in Parliament back in June.
"Douglas Alexander and our local MP were very complimentary about our team, products, our processes and how we have managed to stay competitive in our market.
"Our presentation and discussions touched on many points which we find challenging as a business exporting 76 per cent of our manufactured goods.
"Being one of four businesses the entourage visited on Monday was a real honour. It certainly gave our team pride to be able to remind Ayrshire & beyond how amazing Alex Begg is."
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Minister of State for Trade Policy and Economic Security visited Alex Begg Group in Ayr. Trade minister Douglas Alexander MP paid a visit to Alex Begg Group in Ayr on a trip to Ayrshire last week. The weaver & knitter of luxury cashmere garments welcomed Mr Alexander on Monday, August 11 alongside Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP Elaine Stewart. Both MPs were given a tour of the company's "world class" facilities and were shown the process used and the products made by Alex Begg Group. The visit came about after Ms Stewart extended an invite to Mr Alexander during a the UK's trade agreements programme in the House of Commons in June. Nick Clark, chief financial officer for Alex Begg Group, said: 'We were delighted to welcome Douglas Alexander and Elaine Stewart to our mill in Ayr where they could see first-hand the beautiful sustainable products we make. 'As a global B Corp business exporting sustainable luxury products to over 35 countries over three continents, we recognise the importance of the trade deals both with the US and India. 'However, we would also like to see an improvement in the requirements for moving product into Europe, an increase in funding for securing local skills as well as reconsidering the cost impact the NI increase continues to have for UK manufacturers.' A spokesperson for Alex Begg Group said: "We were thrilled that our business, Alex Begg Group was chosen for a ministerial visit on Monday, August 11 by Douglas Alexander, Minister of State for Trade Policy, accompanied by our local MP, Elaine Stewart. This visit came about after the invitation was extended by Elaine during Ministers Question Time in Parliament back in June. "Douglas Alexander and our local MP were very complimentary about our team, products, our processes and how we have managed to stay competitive in our market. "Our presentation and discussions touched on many points which we find challenging as a business exporting 76 per cent of our manufactured goods. "Being one of four businesses the entourage visited on Monday was a real honour. It certainly gave our team pride to be able to remind Ayrshire & beyond how amazing Alex Begg is."
