A Honiton business woman attended a reception at 10 Downing Street with the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the MP for East Devon.

Simon Jupp MP was accompanied by Julie Hawker MBE, who is the joint CEO of Cosmic, to a 'Local Business Champions Reception' hosted by the Chancellor of the Exchequer yesterday (Wednesday 24 May.)

Jeremy Hunt MP hosted the event to celebrate business leaders who have made a real difference to their local communities..

Julie is also Vice Chair of the Devon Air Ambulance Trust. She was recognised for her service to the economy in the New Year Honours List after 25 years at Cosmic. 

Julie said: "It was a privilege to attend the reception and to experience No.10 in this way, with so many other inspiring business champions and their respective MPs celebrating the value of local business in this way.

"Cosmic has high ambitions for the future delivery of our digital skills and services and so this level of recognition provides a welcome boost and motivation for the whole team."

Cosmic is a digital consultation business which started life in Ottery St. Mary in 1996. It is now based in Honiton. 

The local MP visited the offices of Cosmic earlier this year to discuss the company's success in providing digital support such as website design and technology support to thousands of people across Devon and beyond. 

Simon Jupp said; "Cosmic has gone from strength to strength since its roots in Ottery St Mary in 1996, and that's no surprise with someone as inspiring as Julie at the wheel.

"It was a real pleasure to join her at 10 Downing Street. Cosmic is an example of how East Devon is increasingly an exciting hub of economic activity and innovation."