On Wednesday 24th May I attended the “Business Champions” reception hosted by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt MP, at Number 10 Downing Street to recognise and celebrate those who have made a positive contribution to the local economy and the local business community.

I was invited by the Chancellor to nominate an individual from Northampton who has made such a contribution to be invited to the reception.

I nominated John Sherriff of Goodwill Solutions, a company on the Moulton Park Industrial Estate which I have supported since their formation over a decade ago, as the ‘Business Champion’ for Northampton North.

John is the Managing Director of Goodwill Solutions, which is a socially conscious logistics company which has a great focus on hiring military veterans, ex-offenders and others.

Since its foundation Goodwill Solutions has become one of the UK’s leading logistics and warehousing social businesses. They work to support disadvantaged people, military veterans, and ex-offenders, and epitomise the positive social impact businesses can have in the community with a longstanding passion for promoting opportunity for all.

Since 2008, they have also generated more than £15 million in funding towards good causes, and continue to work with those – notably of disadvantaged backgrounds – to offer opportunity and support to paths to build a more positive future. 75% of their workforce are from disadvantaged backgrounds, and the organisation is currently in the process of setting up an apprenticeship company. They have also been active in transporting aid and supplies to Ukraine during the conflict.

Following on from the previous Community Champions and Charity Champions receptions, I was delighted to have a further opportunity to nominate another Northampton individual, this time from business, who has made such a beneficial contribution to the local community and the economy of Northampton.