Worcester is fortunate to have a thriving high street, and one of its real strengths is the range and character of our independent shops. These businesses give our city its personality, and they deserve to be celebrated and supported. With that in mind – and given my sweet tooth – I was delighted to visit Mr D’s Olde Sweet Shop on High Street for the launch of a new range of locallyinspired confectionery.

Mr D’s is a family-owned and family-run business, and stepping inside is like stepping back in time. The shelves are filled with an extraordinary array of sweets that will be familiar to many, and it certainly took me back to my own childhood. The new creations are a wonderful tribute to Worcestershire. The Malvern Hills Mint Drops reflect the freshness of our iconic landscape, while the Worcestershire Mix celebrates the county’s reputation as the “fruit basket of England” with a colourful assortment of traditional boiled sweets. It is exactly this kind of creativity, rooted in local identity, that makes our independent businesses so special.

From tradition to enterprise of a different kind, I was also pleased to attend the Young Enterprise Trade Fair held outside the Guildhall. It was inspiring to see students from local schools and colleges, including Worcester Sixth Form College, presenting their business ideas with such confidence and enthusiasm. The range of products and the professionalism on display were genuinely impressive.

Having taken part in Young Enterprise myself some 40 years ago, I know how valuable the experience can be. It equips young people with skills in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, helping to build confidence for the future. It was a pleasure to present the awards and to speak with the students about their ideas. They are a real credit to our city.

Finally, I had the great privilege of visiting the University of Worcester to open the Brenda Sheridan Room. Brenda made a remarkable contribution to our community through both education and public service. She worked at the University for 25 years and was deeply committed to widening opportunity and supporting students to succeed.

Her legacy continues in a particularly meaningful way. Through a generous bequest in her will, a fund has been established to support students facing hardship – ensuring that others can benefit from the opportunities she believed in so strongly.

Brenda also served the city as a councillor for 16 years and as Mayor of Worcester, always demonstrating warmth, generosity, and dedication. It is entirely fitting that her name will live on at the University, inspiring future generations.

Taken together, these visits highlight what makes Worcester such a special place: strong local businesses, ambitious young people, and a deep respect for those who have served our community so well.