The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), which was born in St. Annes, celebrated their 40th anniversary at the weekend with an exhibition and dinner in Blackpool.
The day included a business expo in the Winter Gardens where around 20 firms were involved, as well as entertainment in the square outside, including local artists and talented young entertainers, a climbing wall and slides.
John cut a specially-made birthday cake before saluting the local team, with other festivities including the screening of a birthday message on Blackpool Tower, headline act Peter Anthony and the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers pop band.
John said: “Eight out of every ten jobs created recently in this country has come from small businesses.
“These include a reduction in rates of around £1,000 for every shop and pub in the High Street.
Local MP Gordon Marsden added: “It’s viva the FSB. They are an influential organisation and of real value to the local community.
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