As a country we’ve had to make some tough decisions since 2010, to sort out the economic mess the last Labour Government left behind.

Because of our balanced approach, reducing our debt while investing in our public services, we’ve managed to grow our economy every year since 2010. That means more jobs – with the unemployment rate down to its lowest level since 1975.

In the Winchester & Chandler's Ford constituency, the total number of unemployed claimants is consistently low, representing a rate of 0.9% of the economically active population aged 16-64. The equivalent UK claimant rate was 2.9%.

Since being elected our MP, Steve Brine has understood that a strong local economy is essential to the wider UK position and in maintaining the healthy communities we value so much.

He has supported local start-ups, publicised (and opened) dozens of new ventures and regularly visits constituency businesses to learn about their work and listen to what they are saying. His work covers small micro businesses and shops as well as big private sector employers such as Simply Health and IBM who are based in the constituency.

Steve is especially passionate about supporting independent businesses and has spoken a lot about the strength they bring to the retail environment alongside the more established chains which absolutely have a place in our High Street.

He meets frequently with those representing the local business community and addresses a large Chamber of Commerce run business breakfast at the start of each year. You can often spot our MP dropping into city centre shops, just to see how things are going and to ensure they have easy access to their representative in Parliament.

You can see below more than a decade of Steve's work in this crucial area ...