ARCHIE Norman, Tunbridge Wells MP and former Asda chief, has vowed not to lose interest in his constituents after agreeing to sort out an ailing telecoms company. Mr Norman returned to the business world as chairman of debt-laden Energis, a telecommunications giant that owes nearly £700 million to the banks.

Banks called in the "turnaround" expert after deciding to hive off the UK operation to private consortium Chelys. "I've always said I can be more effective as a politician if I have my feet on the ground in the business world," Mr Norman said. "But I've agreed with the investors that my role as an MP for Tunbridge Wells comes first. My constituents will hear from me just as much as before."

Mr Norman said he enjoyed turning companies around. He believed Energis, which has a turnover of £800 million and employs 2,000 people, had a good future in the UK. He had been watching the company for some time and had strong views about how its problems could be solved.

"It has been in difficulty for the past six months, largely because it over-extended in Europe," he said. "But the UK business is a strong business with a very strong network and customer base."

It had committed staff and customers who were keen to see it survive and grow, "the hallmarks of a business you can create into something special". It was important that Energis, which he claimed was the best alternative network to BT, did well.

"This business provides critical communication services to the BBC, the National Grid, the Inland Revenue and the Employment Service," said Mr Norman. "If competition in the telecommunications business is to mean anything in the UK, businesses like Energis need to be able survive and grow."

He expected the company to be back to growth within six months. Energis shares plunged earlier this year when the company warned it could not keep its financial promises to the banks.