Cable was given a tour of the Somerset facility by managing director Kevin Sarney and local MP David Heath last Thursday (19 July).

During his visit, Cable discussed the importance that apprentices had to business growth and met, by request, Grant Aven, a recently graduated BT&D apprentice.

"Visibility on revenues is key for a business like ours so it was a valuable experience to discuss with Vince Cable the importance of apprentices to this company and what the government can do to make it easier for us to take on more," said Sarney.

The BT&D managing director showcased the company's print technology to Cable and explained that print runs, in many cases, were reducing requiring print firms to adapt to market demands.

According to Sarney, Cable was particularly interested in the company's export sales, which is another source of growth for BT&D.

He said: "We had a positive discussion about our export sales, which currently stand at £500,000 but a figure we expect to double next year.

"Our annual sales are around £14m at present, so we are growing, but what is more important is our gross profit; we expect double digit growth in this year."