Business Minister Kwasi Kwarteng today (27.07.21) visited Warrington to talk to local businesses about operating during the pandemic and visited a local Cheshire favourite 3 Pugs Gin.
The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has been making his way around the North of England, visiting small businesses that will be at the heart of the Covid recovery. The MP for Warrington South Andy Carter hosted Minister Kwarteng at the 3 Pugs Gin Distillery based in Penketh, and the pair were taken on a tour of the factory by owners Christine and Stephen Ditchfield.
Mr Kwarteng was fascinated to hear about the production process and how the couple have adapted their business to support the fight against COVID 19, producing thousands of bottles of hand sanitiser and raising money for the NHS through their sales. He also agreed to raise in Cabinet the issue of spirit duty, which is invariably higher than many other types of alcohol on the market.
Speaking about the visit, Minister Kwarteng said:
What a great firm set up by Christine and Stephen Ditchfield who combined their two great loves - Gin and Pugs (!) - into their dream business. They’ve taken a risk and it’s paying off – which is lovely to see.
The MP for Warrington South also commented:
Small family businesses are the backbone of Warrington’s economy so it was great to meet Christine and Stephen Ditchfield at 3 Pugs Gin in Penketh today with Secretary of State for Business Kwarsi Kwarteng, to hear about their plans for growth.
They’ve taken their two loves - gin and pugs and combined them to make a fantastic local business. 4 years in and they’ve learnt lots and have big plans for the next 12 months. Do take a look at their range of products at www.3pugsgin.co.uk.
The Government is also working to support small business with a range of measures including grants, loans and advice through Warrington Chamber of Commerce.
