OXFORD East MP Andrew Smith got a taste of the business world when he agreed to do work experience at a Headington firm.

Mr Smith joined the five-strong workforce at Leopard Press in Windmill Road, Headington, as part of a scheme by Forum of Private Business to give politicians a taste of the world of small business.

Boss Mike Nicholls, pictured above right with Mr Smith, said: “We had a little chat and he saw our equipment. We talked about employment law and he seemed interested in my idea that there should be a standard default contract for employees which would cover everything, but could be tailored to the individual situation.”

Mr Smith tried his hand at setting up a folding machine and checking the quality.

Mr Nicholls said: “He was very good.”