TAUNTON businessman Colin Barrell was in 10 Downing Street at a Local Business Champions reception.

Mr Barrell, who runs Mr Miles Team Room, in High Street, Taunton, was met by Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt.

The event, to which Mr Barrell was invited by Taunton Deane MP Rebecca Pow, was to celebrate the work of businesses up and down the country.

He handed a letter to Mr Hunt in which he urged the Government to ensure a new electric battery factory is built in Bridgwater; replacing farming subsidies previously paid by the European Union; halving the VAT rate in the hospitality sector to 10 per cent.

"I was honoured to be invited to Number 10," said Mr Barrell.

"I made the point that this Government talks about levelling up, but that doesn't seem to be happening in Somerset.

"It was a good day out. Hopefully the people will listen to us."

Ms Pow said: "Our local businesses, especially the small and medium sized companies, are the backbone of our local economy.

"In this respect, I was delighted to nominate Colin Barrell as my ‘local business champion’ and welcome him to this reception with the Chancellor at Number 10.

"Colin is the proprietor of the stylish and welcoming Mr Miles Tea Room in Taunton and is also an executive member of the Taunton Chamber of Commerce.”

Mr Hunt 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.”