INNOVATION in the North and the government’s upcoming spending review were among the topics of conversation when two senior politicians toured a leading East Lancashire paint manufacturer.

Crown Paints welcomed Rossendale and Darwen MP Jake Berry and chief secretary to the Treasury Liz Truss MP to its UK headquarters in Darwen for a tour. They also attended a question and answer session with staff.

During the visit, Mr Berry and Ms Truss met with the firm’s managing director Philip Cefai, marketing director Liz Hickson and manufacturing director Ellis Mudd.

The MPs also met with employees from across the business to answer questions about innovation in the north of England, the future of the UK economy and how the government’s upcoming spending review will affect people across the region.

Mr Cefai said: “We were very pleased that Ms Truss and Mr Berry accepted our invitation to visit our factory and headquarters, and we’re grateful that they took the time answer some of our employees’ questions.

“At Crown, we pride ourselves on being not just a leading employer in our community, but on our commitment to excellence across all parts of the business. That’s why we’re proud to be leading the way on sustainability measures such as our decision to launch paint containers made from 100 per cent recycled plastic, and our unique social enterprise scheme, NIMTECH, which provides employment and training for long-term unemployed people.

“I hope that Ms Truss and Mr Berry left with a sense of how companies like ours can set the standard for businesses in the UK.”

Ms Truss said: “Crown Paints have a distinguished history and I was impressed by the company’s innovative spirit and fresh ideas during my visit. I valued the opportunity to answer questions from the staff on a range of issues and discuss their priorities for the future.”

Mr Berry added: “Historic manufacturing companies like Crown are a vital part of the economy of the North of England, creating jobs and driving innovation, so it was wonderful to meet staff from across the spectrum of the business and discuss some of the issues that are important to them.”

Crown employs 500 people at its Darwen headquarters, a further 126 at its Hull manufacturing facility, and 541 across its network of 140 Crown Decorating Centres. The company has been part of the Hempel Group, a supplier of trusted coating solutions, since 2011.