MY visit last week to Filbert's Fine Foods at Milton Abbas reminded me that the green shoots of recovery are visible.

A young company, established only last year, Filbert's is pushing the boundaries of snack production with inventive recipes.

The company combines entrepreneurial spirit and creativity, showing us what drive and determination can deliver even in difficult times.

Of course at this time of year, it's not unusual to be talking about the weather. But the latest cold snap has caused more than a seasonal stir.

Plunging temperatures remind us that we are steeped in winter – while falling economic figures suggest that spring may still be some way off.

Indeed, last week's news that our economy has contracted has stalled hopes of a rapid recovery.

December's snowy spell may have set things back, but there's no escaping the disappointment. Many of us hoped that we would be able skip the pain of the cuts and soar straight to success.

Understandably, there are those who have questioned the Government's plan of action.

But remember what we started with: an economy built on the worst deficit, the most leveraged banks and unsustainable levels of public spending and immigration.

Faced with this mountain to climb, should we be surprised?

If the figures show us anything, it's that there are no quick fixes. The Government came to power promising tough action to deal with the deficit.

Cuts were made and difficult decisions taken. It was quite a task, but the spending review formed the necessary foundations for the next, indispensable step to revival: growth. But getting there is a journey in itself – and no one said it would be plain sailing.

We need to create a sustainable economic model based not on consumption and debt but on savings and investment. Government spending must give way to entrepreneurial dynamism.

Its strategy must not favour one industry in one corner of the country but all our businesses, with a new, vigorous emphasis on manufacturing and exports.

Making this transformation – and it is a transformation – requires painstaking work and it takes time.

Measures to liberate our businesses from the red tape and financial burdens are beginning to bear fruit.

Back here in Dorset, Filbert's Fine Foods, a flagship business which has achieved remarkable success since its launch last April, is setting the pace.

Filbert's won the 2010 Innovation Award at the Lunch! show in London and, together with three other north Dorset businesses, has also made the regional finals of this year's Countryside Alliance Awards.

All our businesses need to be bold in order to build this economy of the future. And already we're making progress.

Of course, action does not mean miracles. A sound strategy will help us tread the choppy waters, but to move forward we need to stay strong and focused. Frankly, we cannot afford to look back.