Chris Mole MP today (June 23rd 2008) attended a reception at Number 10 Downing Street with local entrepreneur Michael Pritchard, CEO of Lifesaver Systems and Inventor of the 'LIFESAVER Bottle.'

The LIFESAVER Bottle uses a highly advanced filtration system to instantly remove bacteria, viruses and parasites - amongst other things - from water, creating safe sterile drinking water without the use of foul tasting chemicals such as chlorine or iodine. The LIFESAVER Bottle was inspired by the problems caused by the lack of safe drinking water in the aftermath of both the Tsunami of December 2004 and Hurricane Katrina of August 2005.

(* Chris with the Prime Minister and Michael Pritchard, CEO and Inventor of the LIFESAVER Bottle)

The reception was designed to celebrate the innovation of entrepreneurs across the UK and gave the chance for Michael, and others like him, to share with the Prime Minister the opportunities and challenges faced by small business owners across the country.

Chris said:

"The LIFESAVER Bottle is a fantastic piece of technology that has the potential to make a real difference to thousands of lives. I have already been in meetings where Michael has discussed the benefits of the LIFESAVER Bottle with Government Ministers and they have been impressed with how the technology can be applied, particularly in helping the victims of flooding in the UK and abroad.

"Innovation shown by entrepreneurs such as Michael is a key driver of the UK economy and it is clear that the Prime Minister obviously values their work."

Michael Pritchard - CEO of Lifesaver Systems said:

"I am delighted to have the opportunity to demonstrate the LIFESAVER Bottle to the Prime Minister. I invented it to help save lives and feel confident that with a little help from the Government we will be ready to respond to the next floods that will hit the UK and other countries."

The Prime Minister said:

"I am proud of what companies, led by entrepreneurs like those visiting 10 Downing Street today, do for the UK economy. I was grateful for the chance to personally thank Michael, and others like him, for all they do to make our country stronger."

(* Chris and Michael Pritchard outside 10 Downing Street)