Edward has visited the successful Rearsby-based local business, W.F.Howes Ltd, the UK's leading audiobook, digital services, and large print publisher to hear about the business, meet staff, and record part of an audiobook.
The company began trading in 1999 and quickly established itself as a leader in the industry, continuing to evolve and develop its offering over the subsequent years to reflect changing technologies and customer demands. W.F. Howes provided the first downloadable audiobook service to UK libraries, and currently releases around 100 new unabridged audiobooks every month, and its digital arm provides eAudiobook and eBook lending to the library market.
The company's products play a significant role in enabling blind or partially sighted people to access books and to be able to enjoy them.
Edward commented: "It was a great pleasure to visit such a successful local business as W.F.Howes Ltd, to learn about the work of the company from General Manager, Miles Stevens-Hoare and his team, who are committed to ensuring everyone can enjoy reading a book.
As the Vice-Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Eye Health and Visual Impairment, as well as the local employment and economic growth the company provides, I was particularly interested to hear about the company's relationship with libraries, and the importance of its audiobooks to the blind and partially sighted, as well as the broader population. The company is continuing to grow, and it was great fun to be able to record part of an audiobook in their new on-site recording studio."