Last week I visited locally based company Ilika, who are developing and manufacturing solid state batteries for use in electric vehicles here in Romsey. It is always fascinating to find the University of Southampton spin out companies, many of which stay local and extremely loyal to the University. Ilika really is a world leader in the technology and the only company in the UK which is commercialising this exciting alternative to lithium ion batteries.
The inquiry my select committee is currently doing into the menopause is certainly provoking a lot of comment in the media, as suddenly reporters are much more willing to talk about what was often seen as a taboo subject. Yes, it is still awkward to talk about, but too many experienced women are being lost to the workforce because of it, so we have to talk about it and maybe find some practical proposals which could just make life a little easier.
As the weekend approaches I am looking forward to a visit to Sunrise of Bassett for their 15th anniversary celebrations. I know the last 18 months have been incredibly difficult for the care sector, and indeed for those with family living in residential care. So I shall, my lateral flow test permitting, be off to celebrate this important birthday.
Finally, we saw the end of the Olympic Games last weekend with a series of brilliant performances by Team GB athletes, and this week we have seen the A Level and GCSE results. I hope these three momentous occasions, all worth celebrating, begin to see us back on a path to normality. Well done to all those who received their results this week, and good luck for the future.