The Chancellor has this week praised Rebecca Pow MP for Taunton Deane for pushing to secure the funding needed for the upgrade of the A358 and for highlighting the benefits of doing business in the southwest. In Treasury Questions Rebecca asked about the money being invested in infrastructure projects by this Government, such as the upgrade of the A358 and Taunton Railway Station, with special reference to the impact this has on attracting more businesses to the South West. The Chancellor, George Osbourne MP; ‘She is absolutely right that Taunton, and indeed the whole of the south-west, is a great place to do business. We are now investing huge sums in the roads and railways, broadband and housing. Of course, without her I do not think we would be having the A358 upgrade. There is a general lesson, which is that when the south-west votes blue, the voice of the south-west is heard in Parliament.’ Rebecca Pow MP said: ‘The Government is backing 35 infrastructure projects in the South-West with a value of £23.2 billion. This is having a direct knock on effect on attracting businesses to the area and allowing existing businesses to flourish. This is demonstrated perfectly by the successful Claims Consortium, a business I visited recently following their receipt of a Gold Investor in People Award. The company has grown from small beginning in a room in Milverton, to employing 300 people now and expanding. For this company and Taunton Deane is an ideal place to do business and I’m working to ensure that the right opportunities and infrastructure is provided for other businesses to grow here too. For too long the south-west was ignored by Labour administrations and I am delighted that it is this Government investing in infrastructure and connectivity projects that will allow the region to realise its full economic potential.’