Secretary of State for Business Lord Mandelson is thanking a recession busting Blackpool small businessman for helping to move the UK economy back into the black.

Lord Mandelson met Bob Hall, Managing Director of innovative environmental lighting company Greenlite Lighting Solutions Ltd, at a small business reception at Number 10 last night.

Lord Mandelson said, “Small businesses are the lifeblood of the British economy and we recognise what an important role they have played in getting the country through the recession”.

Trade, Investment and Small Business Minister Lord Davies said the small business reception at Number 10 was an important opportunity to acknowledge the considerable effort Britain’s 4.8 million small and medium-sized firms have put in to keep their businesses afloat through the recession.