IN South East Cornwall, we have amazing companies and independent businesses. From family-run cafés and shops to farmers, fishermen and innovative businesses working in emerging industries, our local businesses are at the heart of our communities.

I want our local economy to be as strong in January as it is in July and for it to be a place where young people can build successful careers without having to leave their communities to find good work. That means supporting established industries while creating opportunities in the sectors that will shape a strong year-round economy in years to come.

This summer, I've been speaking with businesses across South East Cornwall about the opportunities they see and the barriers they face. These conversations have really brought home how much potential we have locally, and how important it is that we give businesses the investment, infrastructure, and skilled workforce they need to grow.

At Kelly Bray, Cornwall Resources is playing an important role in the development of the critical minerals sector. Critical minerals are increasingly important to renewable energy, manufacturing and national infrastructure, and there is a real opportunity for Cornwall to play a leading role in this growing industry.

The government's £30-million Kernow Industrial Growth Fund can help turn that potential into jobs and investment. By supporting key industries such as critical minerals, the fund can help local businesses expand while creating skilled employment opportunities for people across Cornwall.

Food production is another vital part of our local economy and our national resilience. South East Cornwall's farmers, food producers, and fishing communities play an important role in putting food on our tables, and they need the right support to thrive.

I saw this first-hand at Country Lane Foods at Horizon Farm near Liskeard, where I spoke with Scott and the team about the impact of this summer's dry weather on harvests and agricultural production. We also discussed how we can encourage more young people to consider careers in agriculture and food production.

The same applies to our fishing communities. Fishing provides skilled employment, supports local businesses, and keeps food production connected to our coastal communities. We should be making sure young people can see a future in these industries, whether that means becoming a farmer, fisherman, food producer, engineer or working in the businesses and supply chains that support them.

There are also exciting opportunities in clean energy, engineering, and advanced manufacturing. The government's partnership with National Grid is set to unlock 5,000 jobs and training opportunities for young people, helping people develop the technical skills needed for growing industries.

I’ll continue working to make sure those opportunities reach South East Cornwall and our communities feel the benefits. I want a future where a young person growing up in South East Cornwall can look at the opportunities around them and see a clear route to a successful career right here at home.