A recent visit to Brentford by MP Mary Macleod sealed the importance of apprentices to small businesses.

The Brentford and Isleworth MP was joined by treasury minister Andrea Leadsom MP on a visit to learn more about the benefits of taking on apprentices at My Plumber Ltd, founded by Angela Lyons-Redman, in Commerce Road.

Winner of the 2013 Hounslow Business of the Year award, Ms Lyons-Redman, has taken on eight apprentices since she started her business and plans to recruit another this year.

During the visit on January 22, current apprentice Ollie Robinson explained how the opportunity has allowed him to gain so much from the practical work as well as being able to extend his academic studies at college.

The visit came days before the Prime Minister announced his pledge to pay for three million apprentices by lowering the benefits cap.

Ms Macleod said: “Businesses like My Plumber can offer fantastic experience to apprentices and they in turn can also really make the difference to a small business.

"This government offers excellent incentives to take on apprentices, including grants of £1,500 for small businesses.

"I want to encourage more small businesses to take on their first apprentice to help us reach the target of three million apprentices.”

Ms Leadsom added: “It was great to hear how Angela was brave enough to leave an established career and set up her own business, starting small and building up to a thriving business employing more than 35 people.

"Success stories like this are what is driving the growth in the UK economy.

"Now she is able to give apprentices like Ollie Robinson their chance to learn his trade.

"I hope more and more small businesses will follow suit and take on an apprentice.”