Shadow Chancellor Visits Market Harborough Engineering Firm

Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride has visited a Market Harborough engineering company alongside MP Neil O’Brien to learn more about the challenges facing UK manufacturers.

They toured The King Group of Companies which employs around 100 people, and saw its latest investment in a specialist welding facility for the nuclear industry.

 King Group of Companies team meet Market Harborough MP Neil O’Brien and Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride

The Riverside-based firm highlighted rising costs and skills shortages, but says it remains committed to creating jobs and training apprentices locally.

James Richmond, Managing Director, said: “It’s a challenging time for British manufacturing SMEs, but our commitment to delivering for customers hasn’t changed. The visit allowed us to share our experiences and discuss how government support could help businesses like ours continue contributing to the local economy and vital national infrastructure.”

Established in 1962, King employs around 100 people at its Riverside site and is best known for heavy-duty trailers. The company designs, manufactures, sells, and maintains specialist transport equipment across sectors including highways, rail, defence, and nuclear.

Mr O’Brien added: “It’s a tough environment for businesses such as King, but encouraging to see their strong commitment to jobs, apprenticeships, and growth.”