A mill complex has received praise for its role in encouraging small businesses to flourish from Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

The Leeds West MP visited award-winning Sunny Bank Mills in Farsely to highlight the success of small businesses in the Leeds and Bradford area and to hear their stories at first hand.

During the past ten years the mill has been transformed into a modern office and mixed-use complex, creating 400 sustainable new jobs with almost 100 companies.

Ms Reeves met three small businesses at the mill during her visit, including Emma White Jewellery Studio, whose owner featured on BBC TV show All That Glitters.

Ms Reeves said: “It’s been so inspirational meeting small business owners. The range of small businesses here is fantastic and I’ve only managed to speak to a few.

“I have been especially impressed by the way in which the owners of Sunny Bank adapt their buildings to enable their tenants to grow.”

William Gaunt, co-owner of Sunny Bank with his cousin John, said: “It was great to see Rachel supporting some of the many small businesses we have here at Sunny Bank Mills. They are really struggling at the moment. She was keen to listen to what business owners had to say.”