HASLEMERE MP Jeremy Hunt was special guest at a reception organised by the Federation of Small Businesses at Haslemere’s Station House hotel to celebrate Chiddingfold counter-terrorism expert Barrie Pegrum’s lifetime achievement award.

Mr Pegrum, who began his career at 17, working in the wind tunnels on the Hawker Harrier prototype P1127 and who has gone on to become a world-leading designer of counter-terrorist training facilities, beat off stiff competition, to scoop the top prize at this year’s FSB and Worldpay UK Business Awards.

“Mr Hunt (pictured with Barrie) joined more than 20 business owners and their families at the celebration reception,”

FSB Surrey and West Sussex development manager Ray Abrahams said. “In his address, the minister said Barrie proves MPs do listen as, following discussions between the two some time ago, the NHS procurement process underwent an overhaul which is working very well today. He went on to say concerning Brexit negotiations, there will of course be a change but if we think like a small business, we adapt to change.

“In concluding, the minister applauded FSB for being the champion of small businesses up and down the country.”