Witham MP Priti Patel has visited a leading manufacturer of the world's first sugar-free protein popcorn.

Ms Patel visited Retrocorn to discuss the current issues with soaring overheads and increasing business rate demands.

During her meeting with managing director Greg Taylor, Mr Patel was given an update on the current difficulties with the escalating cost of business rates.

Read more:

Ms Patel said: "It was a useful opportunity to chat through the issues affecting Mr Taylor's business and many other small businesses right now. 

"Local and national government needs to take a much more efficient, proactive and supportive approach in their dealings with the business sector. 

"Small businesses are the beating heart of our economy and will play a major part in Britain’s economic resurgence in the future, but sclerotic local government bureaucracy does not help."

Mr Taylor said: "I was very pleased with Ms Patel's swift request for a meeting after I wrote to her office about our problems."