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Stephen McPartland, MP for Stevenage said, "WorldSkills 2011 was a fantastic event and was supported by apprentices from MBDA, one of Stevenage's biggest employers. I was delighted to see first hand the enthusiasm and innovation they showed in what was, in my view, one of the best displays of the event."

WorldSkills London 2011 was the largest ever international skills competition and careers event, and more than 200,000 people from the UK visited.  As well as being inspired by the teams taking part, visitors were able to have a go at hundreds of new skills, meet top employers and get specialist careers advice to help make that important next step.

Local MP Stephen McPartland marked the official opening of the newly refurbished Elizabeth Court in Stevenage by cutting a ribbon to open the newly transformed unit. His visit was as part of a special tea party laid on for service users, staff, carers and other organisations to celebrate the completion of the refurbishment works at the specialist dementia unit.

Stephen said: “I was delighted to be given the privilege of formally opening the refurbished Elizabeth Court with the HPFT’s project and service managers and a carer. I was very impressed with the new facility and the expertise of the staff.  I am proud Stevenage is leading the way with this fantastic pilot project and I look forward to monitoring the results closely.”

One of the most amazing pieces of technology in use at the Lister Hospital is the da Vinci robotic surgical system.

Stephen McPartland, Member of Parliament for Stevenage, commented, “The robotic system is fantastic as it gives surgeons all the movements of their hands but miniaturised so that the incisions needed are kept small. It has improved the results of men’s recovery and is delivering real benefits to local people. There are only just over 20 robots in the NHS nationally so it is another example of how the Lister Hospital is leading as a centre of excellence.”

Stephen was shown the robot by the surgical team, and heard that since being installed almost 2 years ago it has been used by surgeons for around 240 procedures. To date the robot has mostly been used to cure prostate cancer, but surgeons at the Lister are increasingly applying it to a range of other procedures.

Adrian Hodder presented his Vario chair design to MP for Stevenage, Stephen McPartland. Commenting on the chair, Stephen McPartland MP said, “Adrian’s achievements show how well a good work placement can bring out the very best in students.. I am sure that Adrian has a very bright future ahead of him and I wish him well and hope to hear more about how the product can be taken to market.”

Adrian, who comes from Knebworth, completed his Product Design degree at Brunel University, and spent his placement year working at FIRA International. His award-winning final project involved the design of the ‘The Vario Chair’, a school chair designed to adjust quickly and easily to fit students with different heights.

Stevenage MP Stephen McPartland was a guest at the Coffee Day held by Jenny Keen and Anita Parsley on Friday 30 September at Jenny's Stevenage home in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Jenny and Anita are staunch supporters of Macmillan and the help it provides to those suffering with cancer. Thanks to good support from friends and neighbours, they hope to raise over £350 from the Coffee Day.

Pearldrop’s new studio and editing suite was officially opened by Stevenage MP Stephen McPartland.

Stephen commented, “I think Pearldrop’s a fantastic company. It’s a real success story for Stevenage. Opening the studio today was a great pleasure for me, and I’m really proud of them.”

In his speech Stephen praised Pearldrop’s efforts as a small business in Stevenage and went on to support small businesses employing local people as well as highlighting the contribution from industry in Stevenage more generally. The launch event was attended by more than fifty prominent local business people, organisations and charities.

Stevenage-based organisation, the Furniture Industry Research Association, (FIRA) have secured a contract to supply furniture testing equipment to the Philippines.

Stephen McPartland MP for Stevenage commented, “I am delighted that FIRA has secured another international contract which highlights their position as world leaders in this equipment and Stevenage as a centre of high technology.”

This export is the third consignment in three years that FIRA has supplied to the Philippines, as FPRDI increases capability and capacity in its furniture testing laboratories. The equipment has been requested by the Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI), a research and development agency under the Department of Science and Technology.

Stevenage MP, Stephen McPartland, visited the Stevenage Amateur Boxing Club in Nokeside and went into the ring with officials and club members to get a closer view of the new tracksuits.

Stephen said “I enjoyed the experience of putting on the gloves and getting in the ring with so many talented boxers.”

Stephen added, “The tracksuits look great and really complement the professional and disciplined training that is central to this sport. I congratulate Stevenage Neighbourhood Watch Forum for this wonderful gift, which helps make such a difference to the local community”.