Prime Minister Gordon Brown has honoured a former Bradford businessman as one of Britain’s most innovative entrepreneurs at a Downing Street reception.

Adrian Riley set up Electric Angel design in Thornton Road, Bradford, in 2000 with the intention of providing good-quality graphic design to the voluntary sector.

Mr Riley, who founded the firm with his wife Rebecca, was the University of Bradford and Bradford College’s Methodist chaplain, and he used a range of new media techniques in his services.

Mr Riley was among 150 entrepreneurs to attend the reception with Mr Brown and Business Secretary Lord Mandelson, to recognise their contribution to business in the UK.

The Prime Minister heard first hand how entrepreneurs are making the most of the opportunities created by the recession and dealing with the challenges ahead.

Mr Brown told guests: “I want to thank each of you individually for making the big decision to start a business, for taking the risk to do so, for making all the effort that has made your business a success.

“For showing the ambition and the aspiration to do something not just for yourself but for people whom you employ, and in that way to make our country a stronger and better place.

“We want to support you in the efforts that you make, to make for a stronger economy.

“I believe the countries that will succeed in the future, the countries that will do best in this new global economy are those who can unleash the talents, the creativity and enterprise of its citizens.”

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said: “Britain’s entrepreneurs have the skills, resources and knowledge base to lead us out of the downturn – the Government’s job is to do everything it can to support growing businesses.

“This reception is an opportunity to hear from those entrepreneurs and businesses owners who have shown enterprise and flair in ensuring their businesses are successful in the current climate.”

Following Mr Riley’s success in Bradford, he relocated to Scarborough where he endorsed the town’s selection as the enterprise capital of the UK in last year’s Enterprising Britain competition.

Its Renaissance Partnership won the Grand Jury Award in this year’s European Enterprise Awards.