Mandelson thanks recession busting Hertfordshire business

12th Feb 2010 Press release - BIS | Department for Business Innovation & Skills

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

Lord Mandelson met Corinne Frydman, Director of business translation company webwide translations, at a small business reception at Number 10 last night. The company worked with Business Link and UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) on business development and securing offshore customers.

Lord Mandelson said Corinne Frydman was an inspirational businesswoman.

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. Corinne Frydman saw the chance to reposition her company with Government help during the downturn and is now well placed to take advantage of the upswing in the economy.

Support from Business Link and UKTI gave Corinne Frydman the confidence and backup to start her company and they are still helping with business development.

Corinne Frydman said,

Like all businesses, I suppose, we approached the recession with anticipation and caution. However, we believed that exceptional times may offer exceptional opportunities. We looked to strengthen relationships with our UK clients and develop long-term partnerships with some large non-UK companies.

One very positive result of that is that we decided to exploit our IT strengths and we now also offer software consultancy and development for clients. Therefore, we feel well placed to take advantage of the opportunities created by the upturn in the UK economy.

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.

Lord Davies said,

The Government remains committed to standing alongside the business community. We have extended the Real Help for Business Now package to support small firms with their growth plans in the recovery.