Black Country businesses were put in the spotlight at the House of Commons yesterday, in an event aiming to showcase the region.

Dudley North MP Ian Austin joined forces with the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership to hold a showcasing event in the Jubilee Room, which gave government ministers and MPs the chance to see how the region produces everything from nuclear reactors and Bugatti sports cars to Olympic torches.

Companies that exhibited included the Walsall foundry and manufacturer of the 2012 Olympic torches Alucast, Stourbridge Glass, Wolverhampton aerospace experts HS Marston, automotive components manufacturer CUBE and brewers Marston’s and Holden’s.

Mr Austin hoped the event would raise the profile of Black Country manufacturing in Westminster and highlight the region’s skills. He said:

“Manufacturing is a really important part of the Black Country’s heritage but I want to show that hi-tech manufacturing, science and technology has a bright future in the region too.

“I wanted people in London to understand that we are bringing new industries and new jobs to the area to strengthen the local economy and boost prosperity.”