THE economic impact from Brexit is still hard to fathom. On one hand exporters are helped by the plunging pound, the equity markets are supported by the cut in interest rates and promises of quantitative easing, but import costs are also rising and firms are reluctant to commit to permanent staff hiring until they know the shape of the Brexit trade deal.

So it was a good week to take the temperature of the local business environment by meeting some small businesses that are creating jobs and driving local innovation.

I went first to P&M Aviation in Manton who make world-leading microlight aircraft, including the first microlight to have flown over Everest, and was fascinated to listen to their technical expertise and export plans going forward and while I declined (for now) a sample trip up in one, it was clear that the market is healthy and growing.

I then went to the Ramsbury Brewery and Distillery to congratulate the team on their recent gold medal award for Ramsbury Vodka and to learn more about the sustainability and diversification values at the heart of the Ramsbury Estates business, which will become more important for all farms as the funding regime for Britain’s agriculture changes post-Brexit. Again, I declined a sample (it was early) but I look forward to tasting the products soon and have applied to have one of the Ramsbury Ales featured as a House of Commons guest ale.

On Saturday I had the great pleasure of attending a lunch to mark the granting of the honorary freedom of the Town of Ludgershall to Alderman Ken Beard MBE. It was another recognition of his decades of service in public life as a parish, town and district councillor, including serving as chairman of Ludgershall Town Council, Kennet District Council and being chairman of the planning and housing committee, as well as being a school governor and volunteer firefighter.

One of my proudest moments as the MP for Devizes was presenting Ken with his long-overdue Arctic Star medal in 2013 and it was wonderful to join him and his family to celebrate a lifetime of achievements.

We had another celebration, locally this time, on Sunday when my 'sister' village of Rushall was awarded Best Kept Wiltshire Small Village in the Hills CPRE competition.

Also winning awards this year were All Cannings (medium village), Milton Lilbourne (best newcomer) and Aldbourne (winner of winners), with Great Bedwyn coming second in the large village category.

My congratulations to all – and special thanks to those who mow the footpath between Charlton and Rushall!