FORMER cabinet minister for business and enterprise Matthew Hancock visited the Parc Pantry in Newport today.

As part of a pre-election tour to visit 100 businesses in 100 days, Mr Hancock visited Newport to support the campaign of Newport West Conservative parliamentary candidate Nick Webb.

Meeting entrepreneur Matt Ellis, who established Parc Pantry seven months ago with business partner Ant Cook, Mr Hancock paid tribute to the pair for the success and growth of their business which now employs 12 people.

The Parc Pantry is an award winning coffee shop with a twist, as around about 95 per cent of the items in the shop are available to buy - including the furniture and lights.

Mr Hancock said: "Let's look at what has happened already, 50,000 more jobs in Wales; 22,500 new businesses. Wales has been growing at one of the fastest rates across the whole of the UK and the people I'm speaking to here in Newport don't want to put that at risk. Today has been an opportunity to discuss the growing economy in Newport with Nick and to hear how he intends to continue backing small and growing businesses in the city."

Mr Webb added: "The UK has record employment and the fastest growing advanced economy in the world. I am keen to ensure Newport is at the forefront of job creation. Ant and Matt have taken an innovative idea and turned it into a great venue and created jobs along the way. I look forward to seeing their business develop over the coming years."