Sir Keir Starmer visits Hampshire School of Jewellery

As previously reported, the Labour leader came to town on Tuesday, June 18, and held a press conference in the Gabardine Bar.

He was joined by former Dragon's Den star, Theo Paphitis.

While he was in the town, the pair, alongside Basingstoke's Labour candidate, Luke Murphy, paid a visit to the Hampshire School of Jewellery in Hassocks Wood Business Centre in Stroudley Road.

READ MORE: 'We'll get that hospital built,' says Keir Starmer on visit to Basingstoke

Sir Keir Starmer and Theo Paphitis visit Hampshire School of Jewellery (Image: PA/Newsquest)

Laura Llewellyn, founder of the Hampshire School of Jewellery, was delighted when she found out she was getting a visit from the trio.

She told the Gazette: "I was approached by Theo's team on Friday about Luke visiting initially and then it developed that Sir Kier and Theo wanted to come as well.

"I feel incredibly lucky to have been chosen by Theo's team and was excited and very nervous to have both him and Sir Keir visit my studio although they both put me at ease straight away."

Laura, Theo and Keir with Laura's Small Business Sunday certificate (Image: Laura Llewellyn)

Laura, who has lived in Basingstoke all her life, set up the Hampshire School of Jewellery eight years ago, and has been based at the current studio for five years.

On the day of the visit, Labour outlined new plans to "breathe new life into Britain's high streets", including replacing business rates and giving communities a 'right to buy' beloved community assets like pubs.

READ MORE: LIVE: Labour leader Keir Starmer and businessman Theo Paphitis visit Basingstoke

A successful small business owner, Laura was specifically chosen by the former Dragon, having met him twice before.

She said: "I have met Theo previously after winning his Small Business Sunday for both Hampshire School of Jewellery in 2019 and my other business Laura Llewellyn Design in 2021.

"Both Sir Keir and Theo were friendly and took the time to speak to the students that were in for their lesson when they came in."

Speaking about her business, Laura said: "We offer classes from complete beginners to more advanced sessions and some of my students have been with me for those full eight years.

SEE ALSO: Photos: Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and Theo Paphitis visit Basingstoke

Sir Keir Starmer and Theo Paphitis making jewellery (Image: PA/Newsquest)

"As well as term time 10-week courses, we offer a range of one-off workshops suitable for complete beginners where you can come and make an item of jewellery in a few hours and take it home with you."

Both Sir Keir and Mr Paphitis tried their hand at creating some jewellery, with Laura, and were pleased with the results.

In a post on the Hampshire School of Jewellery's Facebook page, Laura said: "I gave Theo and Keir Starmer a mini jewellery lesson, they took the time to chat to my class this morning and find out more about my small business."