IT was tea for two when West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin joined a Malvern technology company to discuss its stunning progress in the last 12 months.

Mrs Baldwin met AuraQ’s managing director Mike Clarke to get an update on the company’s plans for further growth and to offer her help.

The MP first spoke with AuraQ, which is based in Graham Road,when she held a dedicated surgery for small businesses to help the company with business banking issues.

She said: "I ran my business banking surgery to show local companies that it is possible to get a good deal by shopping around. AuraQ was one of the companies which took my advice and moved its account. With the additional support that it was able to gain, it has grown rapidly.

“The company had a handful of staff when we first met and now Mike employs more than 20 staff, largely thanks to the support that his new bank was able to offer to allow him to expand. This a great lesson to all local businesses: make sure that your bank works well for you rather than the other way round. The Government’s long-term economic plan is supporting businesses like Mike’s to grow and thrive and I am immensely proud of the strength of the entrepreneurial spirit across my constituency.”