FOUR entrepreneurs from Surrey were among a select group invited to meet politicians and business leaders at a Christmas fair in Downing Street at the weekend.
To celebrate Small Business Saturday on December 6, representatives from 100 companies were selected to join in the fun and meet Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne and the Government's small business ambassador Karren Brady.
Natasha Baker and Esther Guy from Burgh Heath and Brockham-based Accounting4Contractors were among the group which also included James McBrearty, of www.taxhelp.uk.com and cupcake maker Jen Sutton.
Ms Guy told the Mirror: "We loved the day. It was a real privilege to be invited along to a celebration of small businesses.
"Natasha had her photo taken with Karren Brady, while I had mine taken with small business minister Matthew Hancock.
"We also got to meet George Osborne.
"It was exciting to have the chance to visit Downing Street."
For the special occasion, Downing Street had been turned into an impromptu Christmas fair, with several small businesses having stalls there.
An art gallery and a beer company were among those to have stalls on the day, while another company was giving away popcorn.
A children's choir also entertained visitors, and Mr Osborne gave a speech in support of small business.
Mr McBrearty said: "Small Business Saturday is a very big event in the US, along the lines of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, so it is good to see this positive event has been brought over to benefit our businesses."
To mark the event, small businesses around the UK planned events, promotions and other activities to attract clients and customers to their premises.
Mr Osborne said: "Britain's small business owners deserve our support. They are the ones who take the risks to create new opportunities and new jobs, that show off British ingenuity and innovation and I am glad that once again they will be able to be the focus of all our attention and support."
