Catherine Atkinson MP meets the team behind Derby’s cutting-edge vehicle conversions

18th December 2024

Mackworth Vehicle Conversion Specialists (VCS), part of Motus Vehicle Solutions, recently welcomed Catherine Atkinson MP, Member of Parliament for Derby North and a member of the Transport Committee, to its Derby site.

Catherine’s visit offered a chance to shine a spotlight on the people behind the work at Mackworth VCS. She met team members across the business, learning about their roles and seeing first-hand the skill that goes into each project. Her visit highlighted the dedication of the workforce and the important contributions they make to the transport sector.

Phil Taylor, Quality and Compliance Inspector at Mackworth VCS, shared his enthusiasm for the visit: “It’s not every day you see an MP taking such an active interest in what we do. It’s easy for companies like ours, tucked away on industrial estates, to be overlooked. Catherine’s visit showed she really understands the importance of businesses like ours in driving the economy and supporting the country’s infrastructure.”

A highlight of the visit was the Q&A session with Mackworth’s shop floor team. Catherine faced direct and insightful questions from employees on topics like sustainability, public transport, and local infrastructure.

Phil reflected on the discussion: “We asked her some tough questions about going green and reducing carbon footprints for businesses like ours. I even brought up the idea of hydro energy, and she told us about Darley Abbey potentially becoming the first hydro-powered town. That was such a positive response and shows she’s really thinking about innovative solutions.”

Andrew Kent, General Manager at Mackworth VCS, emphasised the value of Catherine’s visit: “It’s a privilege to welcome someone who not only listens but genuinely engages with our team. Catherine’s responses were thoughtful and honest, and she clearly recognises the critical role we play in the local economy and the transport sector as a whole.”

The challenges of public transport were also on the agenda, with Catherine addressing concerns about reduced bus routes in the Midlands. Phil explained why this resonated with the team: “Public transport has such a big impact on people getting to work, especially when owning a car isn’t affordable for everyone. Catherine admitted she’s not happy with the current reductions in bus routes and is fighting to address this in Parliament. That honesty and commitment were really encouraging to hear.”

Peter Glover, Managing Director at Motus Vehicle Solutions, echoed the team’s sentiments: “Visits like this are so important. They strengthen the connection between policymakers and businesses like ours, giving us a platform to highlight both the challenges we face and the innovative work we’re doing to solve them. It’s inspiring to see Catherine championing priorities like sustainability and local business growth.”

The discussion also touched on traffic congestion, housing developments, and the ripple effects they have on infrastructure. Phil commented: “One of my colleagues asked about the backlog of traffic on the A38 due to all the new housing developments. Catherine admitted she didn’t have all the answers right now, and honestly, that’s what you want to hear – it’s refreshing to see that kind of transparency from an MP.”

Catherine’s visit ended on a high note, with her praising Mackworth for its commitment to training and developing skilled workers through apprenticeships and internship programmes.

Andrew summed up the day: “This visit wasn’t just about showcasing what we do; it was about creating a real dialogue. Catherine’s interest and engagement mean a lot to us as a business, and we’re excited about the possibilities this connection could bring in the future.”

A huge thank you to Catherine Atkinson MP for taking the time to visit and for her commitment to tackling the challenges facing our industry.

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