Dorset’s food, drink and heritage were promoted in Parliament at the end of February during a special Westminster showcase hosted by the county’s two Liberal Democrat MPs.
The event, branded ‘Dorset Day’, took place in the Jubilee Room at the Houses of Parliament on Monday, 23rd February – several months ahead of the county’s official Dorset Day on 1st June.
Image: Vikki Slade
West Dorset MP Edward Morello and Mid Dorset and North Poole MP Vikki Slade invited seven local producers to take part in a Dorset-food (and heritage) focused showcase at Westminster.Representing the county were East Street Deli, Chococo, Sea Sisters Cannery, Oxfords Bakery, Black Ven Distillery, Goose & Badger coffee and Cerne Abbas Brewery.
The event gave MPs and peers the opportunity to sample Dorset produce and speak directly to business owners about the challenges facing the hospitality and food and drink sectors.
Mr Morello said the aim was ‘to showcase some of the fantastic food and drink producers from our beautiful patch as well as highlight the many challenges facing the sector’.
© Vikki Slade
He said hospitality businesses were facing ‘crippling business rates, the hike in employer National Insurance contributions, sky-high energy and input costs, and the ongoing cost of living crisis’.
Tourism brings an estimated £320 million a year into his West Dorset constituency and the hospitality sector employs more than 5,500 people locally.
© Edward Morello
Vikki Slade said: ‘Dorset truly shone in Westminster. When we champion Dorset in Parliament, we champion local jobs, sustainability and the future of our high streets and rural communities.’
Also attending were the Mayor of Wimborne and members of the Wimborne Militia, the 17th-century re-enactment group, who travelled to London to represent Dorset’s heritage.
While Dorset Day itself is officially marked each year on 1st June, parliamentary showcases of this kind are commonly used by MPs to promote their constituencies and connect local businesses directly with policymakers.
