Starkey Laboratories in Hazel Grove welcomed the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg to its European HQ in Hazel Grove as the leader of the Liberal Democrats paid a flying visit to the North West.
American owned Starkey who employ nearly 200 staff and technicians at their manufacturing site in Hazel Grove where they produce state of the art audio equipment, from hearing protection to App controlled made for iPhone hearing aids, were delighted to be selected for the visit.
Pictured from left to right are:
Chris Davies, MEP; Nick Clegg, Dep PM; Mark Hunter MP; Sue Green, Starkey Technician; Alec Whipday, Starkey Production Manager and Roger Lewin, Managing Director Starkey Laboratories
Mr Clegg was joined by fellow Cheadle MP Mark Hunter along with North West Lib Dem MEP Chris Davies and held a private meeting with Starkey Managing Director Roger Lewin, his senior management team Lewin and Marketing Stockport founders Helen White and Richard Higginson (pictured below)
Mr Clegg was also interviewed for Radio Manchester as he toured the manufacturing facility and pointed to Stockport borough as an example for his party to aspire to:
He said: “Where we have enough people to get out there, knock on doors and explain what we’ve done, we find we hold on to our support.
“We’ve had to make lots of difficult, and in some cases, unpopular decisions. But I’d like to think that people have now seen that, by holding our nerve, we’ve got an economic recovery going and we’re delivering things that really matter to people – which wouldn’t have happened with the Conservatives on their own (nationally).
“I hope that we can rely on people’s support, but we’ve got to get out there and tell our side of the story. Because no one is going to do it for us.”
As he left for Media City Mr Clegg commented that he had enjoyed the opportunity to view the factory to see the hearing devices being manufactured and the ground breaking technology that Starkey has adopted.
He also thanked Helen and Richard for their work in supporting the Stockport business community.
Speaking after the visit, Roger said:
“ Hearing and communication is such an important part of our lives. I am delighted that the Deputy Prime Minister has taken an interest in our company, spent time with us to see, at first hand, what we can achieve and discuss our concerns.”
Commenting afterwards Mark said:
‘My sincere thanks go to Roger Lewin and his team at Starkey Laboratories for welcoming Nick and I today. We spent a very interesting hour learning about their business and the work that they are doing to make the lives of people that are hard of hearing easier, as well as speaking with local employees about current political issues and the upcoming elections.’
New Product Launch
Earlier this week Starkey launched a ground-breaking new product designed for use with Apple devices. The ‘go anywhere and do everything’ made for iPhone Hearing Aids and TruLink™, the easy-to-use hearing control app enhance every listening experience. They connect easily to an iPhone, iPad and iPod touch via the TruLink app. Phone calls, music and videos can be streamed directly into the wearer’s ears with pristine sound quality — no background buzzing and whistling.
Stockport plastics manufacturer celebrates 35 years of trading 
Greater Manchester to benefit from £86 million innovation boost 
MIX MANCHESTER explores joint venture restructure