UKIP MEP, Mike Nattrass, will visit the birthplace of British glassmaking today to celebrate the achievements of a firm continuing that heritage.

The West Midlands MEP, who is a member of the EU’s Transport and Tourism Committee, will be at Okra Glass in Wordsley to learn more about a business which faced the economic recession head on and doubled its turnover last year.

During his visit, Mr Nattrass will meet members of the Okra team at their artisan glass studios in Queen Street. He will be joined by Maddy Westrop, UKIP’s Westminster hopeful for Stourbridge.

The studio celebrated its 30th anniversary last year. Its three illed glass masters, Richard Golding, Dean Hopkins and Karinna Sellars, produce a wide range of iridescent glassware bought direct from the studio by private collectors.

Mr Nattrass’s family on his mother’s side came from Amblecote and Stourbridge, many working in the cut glass industry and some at The Dial Glassworks.

The Czar of Russia called for cut glass technology and some of Mr Nattrass’s family went to Vladimir in Russia to establish a cut glass factory.

Ahead of the Okra visit, Mr Nattrass said: “Stourbridge is the birthplace of British glassmaking and I am pleased to see Okra continuing that fine tradition and heritage.

“My family was heavily involved in the industry and I am very much looking forward to visit to Okra Glass and meeting their highly skilled glass masters.

“Their success should be celebrated and I hope they enjoy and even busier year this year.”

Ms Westrop said: “What an excellent opportunity to celebrate innovation, enterprise and hard work in Stourbridge.

"Okra’s stunning success last year is even more impressive, as it was made during a deep downturn in the economy.

“Let’s get real - making things and trading them is the only way out of this recession. This is real wealth creation and a shining example of how this country can still compete internationally by being at the top of its game.”

Mr Golding said: “I am very much looking forward to the visit. It will be quite interesting to talk to Mike.

“The success of Okra is around good design and maintaining top quality. The glass industry in Stourbridge has almost disappeared. This is the result of cheap imports and cheap labour.”