THE county's MP has praised a campervan conversion business for its employee ownership model.

Douglas Alexander, Lothian East MP, visited Jerba Campervans to learn about the benefits of being 100 per cent employee-owned.

He recently toured the workshop at Halfland Barns, near North Berwick, with co-founder and director Simon Poole, and discussed the company's progress.

Jerba, which became fully employee-owned in January 2018, is one of a few fully approved motorhome qualified converters for Volkswagen in the UK and is close to receiving full approval from Ford UK.

The company, which shares profits with employees, is also a real living wage and real living hours accredited employer.

Mr Alexander said: "I had heard many positive things about Jerba Campervans and was delighted to have the opportunity to visit and chat to Simon about the origins and progress of the business, as well as his passionate advocacy for the employee-ownership model.

"His story of taking the business from a personal enthusiasm to a highly successful and respected business and employer is an inspirational one.

"It’s very clear that this has proved to be hugely beneficial for the business, with staff being fully involved in decisions about the way it operates and sharing in its success."

Mr Poole said: "It was excellent to have the opportunity to meet with Douglas and show him around our growing business.

"He clearly understands the positive impact that employee ownership is having on the people who work at Jerba Campervans, on our customers, on our local community and on the success of the business as a whole."