Southend’s businesses, artists and entrepreneurs were showcased to Parliament this week at an event hosted by the city’s two MPs.
Southend’s famous Rossi Ice Cream, Leigh-on-Sea Brewery, London Southend Airport and Pigs Bay - the city’s first-ever distillery - were among the businesses to be showcased to peers and MPs.
The Made in Southend event, held in Parliament’s Jubilee Room on Tuesday (12th July 2022), was hosted by James Duddridge MP (Rochford and Southend East) and Anna Firth MP (Southend West).
The Mayor and Mayoress of Southend also attended the event, billed as a kick-starter for Southend’s bid to become the UK City of Culture 2029.
James Duddridge MP said:
“It was fantastic to be able to showcase the best of Southend to Parliament, highlighting the plethora of top local businesses, entrepreneurs and artists that our city has to offer.
“Made in Southend was a great success, and I would like to thank all those who attended. I know Southend’s famous Rossi Ice Cream was particularly popular on the day, given the heat.”
Anna Firth MP added:
“I am delighted that the ‘Made in Southend’ event was such a major success, and it was wonderful to see all the best of our local businesses and entrepreneurs together. We have so much talent in Southend that needs to be highlighted and supported, and this was the perfect event for it.
“The food and drink we have in Southend is exceptional, and I was delighted that Leigh-on-Sea brewery, Rossi Ice Cream and Pigs Bay Gin were able to join us. The ice creams went down a treat in the sweltering heat! We also had a real range of our internationally successful businesses come up, including Olympus, Grounded Body Scrub and 3D Filaprint.
“This event is a kick starter for our bid to become the UK City of Culture 2029, which will be the perfect way to showcase what Southend has to offer to the world.”
