JONATHAN Reynolds, Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade visited High House Production Park in Purfleet-on-Thames today (Tuesday, 26 March) to visit the Royal Opera Houses scenery and costume design workshops with Jen Craft, Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Thurrock.

They were joined by Cllr John Kent, Leader of the Opposition on Thurrock Council and representatives from the Essex Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

They saw the positive impact the creative industries have on the local economy.

Labour says it has committed to ensuring that creative opportunities are open to people regardless of their background. The creative industries employ 181,000 in the East of England making up 3.5% of the region's economy.

Mr Reynolds said: "Creativity is not the preserve of a certain type of person, or of one place in our country. Everyone deserves the opportunity to explore their talent and passion and get one of the many great jobs on offer in this sector.

"It is wonderful to see first-hand the talent and creativity of people in Thurrock, building and designing sets that will be admired by thousands of theatre goers. Under Labour a job in the creative sector will be a path that every child has at their feet no matter where in the country they live."

Opened in 2010, the Royal Opera House has scenery and costume workshops on the site and also hosts a training centre for students at a local college.

Ms Craft said: "Having the Royal Opera House here in Thurrock provides us with great opportunities that we need to make more of for the benefit of all in our community.

"They provide many great apprenticeships and chances for our young people but, like them, I am determined to do more. If elected, I will work closely with organisations like the Royal Opera House to make the most of our potential. For too long Thurrock has been left behind and I am determined to ensure that we make more of the skills and talent in our community to give people here the future they deserve."

Denise Rossiter, Chief Executive of Essex Chamber of Commerce said: "We welcome Labour's commitment to the creative economy and their acknowledgement that Essex businesses faces skills shortages and we continue to call for all parties to commit to Local Skills Improvement Plans for the long-term."