HEXHAM MP Guy Opperman took time to visit a small North Tyne business last week as part of a nationwide campaign.

Slate & Nature, a family-run business and studio in West Woodburn, welcomed the MP as part of Small Business Saturday, a non-commercial campaign which encourages people to shop local in their communities.

The local firm, based in West Woodburn, was started five years ago by husband and wife Gerard and Jeanette Van der Veen.

Having been awarded a development grant to help with the build, the company is going from strength to strength – producing high quality home and garden products made from reclaimed slate.

Mr Opperman said: “Slate & Nature is a great example of enterprise and entrepreneurship here in Northumberland.

“Using only recycled or reclaimed slate, Gerard and Jeanette are making fantastic pieces for the home and garden, and because all the material involved is re-used, the business is also environmentally friendly too! It is manufacturing as it should be.

“It is always great to buy from a small, local business. They are the real bedrock of the local and national economy, providing jobs and livelihoods for so many. It is great that, as a region, Tynedale continues to push on, with more and more businesses shooting up across the area.”

Gerard said: “It was great to be able to show our local MP around the studio.

“Every product we produce has its own unique character, and is made out of this highly undervalued, but natural and versatile natural material. All our items are made with one single aim in mind: enjoying the natural world and wildlife in your area.”