In his latest Reporter column, the MP writes about what he's been doing recently in his role as Shadow Business Secretary - including visits to some local workplaces.

One of my favourite tasks as Shadow Business Secretary is visiting employers across the country. 

It was fascinating to visit Sunbelt Rentals depot in Chadderton this month. Probably one of the biggest companies you've never heard of - Sunbelt are the leading provider of construction plant machinery. 

They are an excellent company, conscious of the social impact of their work, and are striving to become the employer of choice of veterans, as well as doing good work welcoming care leavers into the workforce. 

If you're a local veteran looking for work, email me and I'll put you in touch - jonathan.reynolds.mp@parliament.uk 

It was also great to visit Tileyard North which is bringing 250 jobs and £30m of investment to Wakefield alongside Simon Lightwood, now our newest Labour MP following the Conservative by-election defeats. 

Attracting investment and high-paid, secure jobs across our Northern economy is one of my top priorities. 

I was also, as the saying goes, sent to Coventry. My first stop was London Electric Vehicle Company who make electric taxis for a global market, a great example of how the UK could lead the low carbon agenda. I got to drive a brand new black cab, which was fun. 

My next stop was UK Battery Industrialisation Centre, a world leading space supporting innovations in battery power. These are brilliant British businesses creating quality jobs in the Midlands and informing Labour's industrial strategy. 

A diverse and inclusive workforce is important to unleashing talents and forming a strong economy. 

Closer to home, I can't tell you how much I enjoyed visiting Routes to Work in Ashton recently. They help people with disabilities across Tameside access the workplace, something that - with a 19-year-old son with learning disabilities myself - I understand the importance of. 

The neurodynamic young people I met were amazing and I'm pleased this support is available locally. 

I also really enjoyed spending a morning at the People's History Museum this month launching a new pamphlet, Building A Purposeful Economy, to which I was proud to contribute. It was a great event, full of fresh ideas and enthusiasm for a pro-worker, pro-business Labour Government. 

If I become Business Secretary, I will work tirelessly to attract investment, create better jobs for all, and make net zero a reality. 

By contrast, the current Tory Government seems to prioritise stoking division for electoral ends, rather than getting on with the job. 

Strong businesses make a strong economy. I won't stop until that's true for every part of the UK. 

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