IT IS always good to be back in the constituency, catching up with various individuals and local businesses during the short, half-term recess.

On Friday, I had the opportunity to visit two thriving local businesses. Waves Training Solutions is a rural business with strong military connections, which is growing well.

Waves exemplifies how high-flying former military personnel can find ways to build businesses using their professional experience for the benefit of this country’s defence economy.

I wish Lou Whiting well for the future of the business and I look forward to hearing about her plans coming to fruition.

A company whose progress I have already been following for more than five years is Lascar Electronics, a leading manufacturer of high-tech industrial digital panel instruments and environmental data loggers, based in Whiteparish.

It was my pleasure to be at the opening of the company’s new distribution centre in Old Sarum, which will not only aid its global operations but also free up more space for innovation at its Whiteparish HQ.

This business, which started in a garage, now employs 90 people across three continents and is exactly the sort of business that should be encouraged – not only manufacturing unique products but generating steady demand for well qualified local people to fill high quality jobs.

Ambitious small companies are never far to seek and later this week, I look forward to helping Total Foot Health in Salisbury celebrate their Practice Accreditation status, a prestigious award they are receiving for the third time.

I will also be taking the time to catch up with the Police and Crime Commissioner during the course of the week and I will be prioritising the chance to get an update on the Wilton Parkway proposal.