A BUSINESSMAN talked tennis with the Prime Minister at a Downing Street reception to mark Black History Month.

Chris Palmer, managing director of Poole IT company Anytech Solutions, struck up a conversation with David Cameron about his favourite players of the sport.

Chris was representing Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) at the event and also chatted with former England football ace Sol Campbell and Saville Row’s first black tailor, Ozwald Boateng.

Chris said: “Knowing the PM is a massive tennis fan, I raised the subject and that was when he came closer and we compared favourite players.

“I said that Nadal was always up there but Federer is a dream to watch. He said that Federer was also his favourite player, and told me about his claim to fame when he asked Boris Becker to give him a proper full power serve, which he managed to return.

“It was a fantastic day and a phenomenal experience that I shall never forget.”

Chris started his business with wife Vivienne in 2004. Formerly called Doctor PC, it is based at Fleets Lane in Poole.

He was suggested for the Black History Month event by DCCI chief executive Ian Girling.

“It was an amazing honour to attend and represent Dorset and DCCI,” Chris added.

“David Cameron was polite and well prepared. We chatted in great detail about small businesses and he asked about Anytech Solutions.

“He was particularly interested to hear about our services for the NHS, primarily in psychiatric patient care computing needs.”

He said the event was also valuable for networking. He exchanged business cards with a DNA specialist with his own company, a professor from Imperial college London and the first ever Apprentice winner, Tim Campbell.

He is due to return to London in late November for a business dinner being organised by Mr Campbell.

Black History Month is held every October and celebrates the African-Caribbean community’s contribution to Great Britain, as well as promoting knowledge of black history, culture and heritage.