STRATFORD-UPON-AVON MP and former Chancellor of the Exchequer, Nadhim Zahawi visited an international PR and marketing agency on the eve of their official office opening.

‘Talking Tortoise’ have recently moved into a new office space and training centre based at Long Barn Village near Alcester.

The company was founded by mum-of-three, Jessica Blyth-Sweetingham in 2014, specialising in marketing IT hardware, software and cybersecurity.

Talking Tortoise has since grown to specialise in public relations and marketing services for businesses in a range of industries including tourism and leisure, IT, and professional services.

The company recently supported the British Titanic Society when they were inundated with media enquiries following the disappearance of the OceanGate submersible in the Atlantic Ocean, with TV and radio appearances across the UK and as far afield as South Africa.

"Talking Tortoise has grown to serve large clients but also some very good local clients here in Warwickshire and it’s fantastic to be here at their new office and training centre,’’ said Mr Zahawi.

Talking Tortoise are one of the first firms to move into the newly renovated Makers’ Space on the outskirts of Alcester.

The former visitor attraction has been refurbished and transformed into a ‘Makers’ Space’, home to creative businesses and a new cafe.

Jessica Blyth-Sweetingham said: "We’re delighted to launch this exciting new chapter of our business from our new base in Warwickshire.

"We have clients spread across the entirety of the United Kingdom, all the way from Southampton up to Fife in Scotland."

The firm’s new location can be easily identified by a life-size Galapagos tortoise model which sits outside the entrance.

The company are currently running a competition to name the tortoise, with the winner winning a Galapagos Tortoise feeding experience at Crocodiles of the World in Oxfordshire.