Essex Chambers of Commerce was represented at the highest levels of government when its president, Robert Leng, attended a reception held at 10 Downing Street to promote the importance of small businesses to the UK economy.

Joining representatives from businesses of all types and size from across the country were Prime Minister David Cameron, Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne and Business Secretary Vince Cable, as well as a team of junior ministers, who heard first-hand about the experiences of the entrepreneurs.

Mr Leng said: “This really was an excellent opportunity to meet with the senior members of our Government and tell them about the wonderful businesses across Essex and the work that the Chambers do on behalf of them.

“They really listened and seemed genuinely interested but I reminded them that Essex Chambers would continue to lobby them and their fellow MPs to take account of the needs of the wealth and job creators in Britain.”