PM announces UK's emergence from recession at Wandsworth firm's HQ (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Prime Minister David Cameron announces UK's emergence from recession at Panorama Antennas, Putney

4:55pm Thursday 25th October 2012 in News

David Cameron paid a visit to a "globally-successful" Putney business today to announce the UK's emergence from recession.

The Prime Minister dropped in to radio communication firm Panorama Antennas, based in Frogmore, off Putney Bridge Road, where he chatted with staff including managing director Andrew Jesman.

He was then given a tour of the facilities and main factory to see the various antennas being manufactured for export worldwide.

The company made the news earlier this month after being mentioned as an example of a successful British exporter driving the economy forward by Mayor of London, Boris Johnson in his speech at the Conservative Party conference.

Mr Jesman, said: "We are an example of the many competitive manufacturers in the UK.

"With over 75 per cent exports, Panorama proves that it is possible to thrive in an international market and tough economic conditions by producing innovative and high quality products critical to the communication systems of governments, public safety organisations and businesses."

Panorama specialise in manufacturing components for police radios and mobile phones for export around the world.

Mr Cameron's visit coincided with his announcement Britain had narrowly avoided being hit by a "triple dip recession" after it was revealed the economy grew by one per cent in the last three months.

The PM, speaking at Panorama's Frogmore base, said: "We still have a long way to go and there's still difficulties ahead, but I think these figures show we are on the right track.

"We have got the right approach. We can see that with the unemployment figures. There is more to do but these figures are good progress.

"We have got to stick with that programme and recognise these figures are positive."

Panorama has been manufacturing antennas for radio communication industry for over 65 years, employs more than 50 staff and has its head office and factory in the borough.

During the 1990's, the business expanded the business into Europe, South Africa, the Middle East and Australasia - they now have offices all over the world.

The company's original base was a small terraced house in nearby Wadham Road, also off Putney Bridge Road, until they moved to Frogmore in 1992.