Nursery owner Linda Baston-Pitt has been congratulated by the Prime Minister as one of the country’s leading entrepreneurs.

Ms Baston-Pitt, Director of The Old School House Day Nursery near Newmarket, Suffolk, received the accolade during a reception for entrepreneurs and business leaders held in 10 Downing Street last month.

During the reception the Prime Minister pledged support for the “culture of ideas and innovation” in the UK and said the countries that would thrive in the future global economy were the ones that “unleash the talents, the creativity and enterprise of its citizens”.

“Our aim is to do everything we can to support your ideas, and your innovations, to support the enterprise and the entrepreneurial culture that exists in so many areas of our country,” he told the gathering. “We want to support you in the efforts that you make to make for a stronger economy.”

Ms Baston-Pitt said, “It was extremely encouraging that amongst business owners across all industries, the day nursery sector received equal recognition from the Prime Minister for its role in providing high-quality childcare and innovative services, thus enabling parents to remain in employment or train to re-enter the job market and in ensuring the country has the skills base to prosper in the future.”

During the reception Business Secretary Lord Mandelson urged entrepreneurs to make the most of the economic downturn by continuing to launch new business ventures.