Winchester business leaders recently attended a reception at 10 Downing Street hosted by the chancellor Jeremy Hunt.

Harriet France, director of Jeremy France Jewellers, and Dr Paul Spencer, executive director of Winchester Business Improvement District (BID), attended with Winchester MP Steve Brine. 

The reception on May 24 brought together local business champions from across the country to meet the chancellor and MPs at the official residence of the Prime Minister. 

The office at 10 Downing Street helps the Prime Minister to establish and deliver the Government’s overall strategy and policy priorities.

Ms France said: “As a director of a second-generation, family-run business it felt incredible to be recognised as a local business champion on a national scale at number 10. It was truly humbling to be invited to represent the many wonderful independent businesses Winchester has to offer.”

READ MORE: Winchester: a 'strong location for business' says BID boss

Dr Spencer said: “The BID meets regularly with our local MP to discuss Government policy and to provide feedback and insight from Winchester businesses. The BID also responds to consultations and has written to the Prime Minister and chancellor several times in recent years, on issues such as Covid business support during the pandemic and more recently on rising energy costs for businesses. It was a great honour to be at this event with one of our fantastic local businesses and raising the profile of business in Winchester.”

Mr Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said: “Local businesses are vital for our economy, our day to day lives and our communities. Creating jobs, supporting growth in a huge variety of sectors, their tireless hard work does not go unnoticed. As chancellor, I see the contribution that local businesses make across the country to all our cities, towns and villages and this is something we can all be proud of. Not only do they bring immeasurable value to the economy, but they are also the heart and soul of so many of our communities.”

Jeremy France Jewellers has been in Winchester for more than 30 years and is located on the High Street.

Winchester BID is a business-funded and business-led organisation representing more than 700 businesses in Winchester city centre. The BID delivers projects and services to help ensure the city is marketed and promoted successfully, is safe and secure, is clean, attractive and more sustainable, and a place where businesses thrive.