Ribble Valley MP scoops top award

The Award, sponsored by England's Regional Development Agencies (RDAs), recognises the work of politicians who have excelled in understanding and representing the needs of smaller firms.

The FPB, which represents around 25,000 small and medium-sized businesses across the UK, asked its members to nominate those politicians they believed had fought on their behalf. Members of the FPB received information on how to nominate through its quarterly ballot, Referendum, the weekly eNewsletter and the website. A panel of five judges decided the winner on the basis of the work each politician has done for smaller firms and the comments given to the FPB by its members.

Mr Evans was pleased to have been chosen as the 2007 winner of the Award.

"I was honoured and delighted to accept this award from my peers involved in smaller businesses. It is important that our voice continues to be heard as we are an integral part of the business community."

The Award was presented by Len Collinson, National Chairman of the FPB, who said: "Owners and managers of smaller businesses play an integral part in the economy, creating wealth and job opportunities. That is why we have chosen to encourage politicians to engage with them and represent them by creating the Business-friendly MP/MEP Award.

"Mr Evans has drawn upon his own experience of working in and owning a small business when representing not just his own constituents but businesses across the country. He is to be congratulated on his efforts."

Alex Pratt OBE is a serial entrepreneur who runs seriousreaders.com, manufacturing high-grade reading lights. He is a board member of the South East of England Regional Development Agency (SEEDA) and on the panel of judges for the Award. Mr Pratt said he hoped the example being set by the nominees would be followed.

"It is in everyone's interests to make sure our wealth creators thrive and prosper, because they foot the bill for everything we hold dear, from NHS incubators to our schools. So isn't it great to have MPs who have seen this particular wavelength of the light?"

The other politicians competing for the Award were: Malcolm Harbour, MEP for the West Midlands and last year's winner; Oliver Heald, MP for North East Hertfordshire; Philip Hollobone, MP for Kettering; Jeremy Hunt, MP for South West Surrey; Gillian Merron, MP for Lincoln; John Penrose, MP for Weston-super-Mare; and Graham Stuart, MP for Beverley and Holderness.

The panel of judges were: Dr Fred Ayres, an owner-manager in Cumbria (and a non-executive director of the FPB); Len Collinson, National Chairman of the FPB; Pauline Dalby, the founder – with her husband – of Key Air and Sea in Hayes; Alex Pratt, principal of seriousreaders.com and a board member of the South East of England Regional Development Agency (SEEDA); and Peter Walker, Managing Director of Vista Communications.

Andy Love MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Small Business Group, hosted the award ceremony.