Inspiring small business owners from across the UK attended a special event ahead of Small Business Saturday this weekend
Nicola Skowronek of Sheepers LTD was one of hundreds of inspirational small businesses attending a special reception at the House of Lords on Tuesday, to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Small Business Saturday campaign
Hosted by Small Business Saturday, in partnership with the campaign’s founder and principal supporter American Express, the event honoured Sheepers as part of this year’s SmallBiz100.
The SmallBiz100 is a line-up of 100 inspiring small businesses from all over the country, that are highlighted as part of the Small Business Saturday UK campaign. Sheepers was featured in recognition of her impressive entrepreneurial journey, which has seen them.
The House of Lords event kicks off a week of celebrations ahead of Small Business Saturday, which returns this weekend on 3 December. The campaign celebrates small business success and encourages people to ‘shop local’ and support businesses in their communities.
Nicola Skowronek said, “It is a great and honourable privilege to be invited and be chosen by Small Business Saturday and to see my business grow, the hard work has paid off and it’s so lovely to watch it continue to grow!”
Bringing together entrepreneurs from this year’s SmallBiz100 line-up and leaders from across the political spectrum, with the Shadow Secretary of State for Business and industrial Strategy, Jonathan Reynolds and Small Business Minister, Kevin Hollinrake both speaking at the event and meeting many small businesses.
‘It was wonderful to host this special event at the House of Lords and mark the achievements of Sheepers as well as celebrating ten years of Small Business Saturday,” said Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Busines Saturday UK.
“Things are tough for small businesses across the UK at the moment, and the aim of Small Business Saturday has always been to encourage small businesses, boost support and highlight the hugely positive role these firms play in our communities.”
A grassroots, not-for-profit campaign Small Business Saturday was originally founded by American Express in the U.S. in 2010. It remains the principal supporter of the campaign in the UK, as part of its ongoing support of the UK high street and commitment to encouraging consumers to shop small.
On Small Business Saturday, customers across the UK go out and support all types of small businesses, both online and in bricks-and-mortar stores; from independent shops and restaurants to small service and b2b based businesses like accountants and digital marketeers.
Many small businesses celebrate the day by hosting events, offering promotions, and collaborating with other small businesses.
Over the ten years the campaign has been running in the UK it has engaged millions around the value of small businesses, seen billions of pounds spent with small firms on Small Business Saturday and received widespread backing from political and business leaders.
Small Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake said: “As we prepare to mark Small Business Saturday this weekend it was fantastic to meet so many inspiring small business owners and hear first-hand how they are directly supporting the UK economy.
“I know it is a tough time for businesses and this government will continue to stand by them – whether it’s through our start up loan schemes and energy cost support to our £13.6 billion package for business rate payers, £500 million of which is earmarked specifically for small businesses.”
This weekend Sheepers will be celebrating Small Business Saturday by offering 20% off everything on our website all weekend!
Dan Edelman, General Manager, UK Merchant Services at American Express, said: “This year we’re celebrating the 10th anniversary of this vital campaign and look forward to shining a spotlight on small businesses and the dedicated people running them. American Express is proud to play our part in championing the UK’s amazing small business community, as longstanding principal supporter of Small Business Saturday, and through our own Shop Small campaign.”
About Small Business Saturday UK
Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which celebrates small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and to support businesses in their communities.
Launched in 2013, the day itself takes place on the first Saturday in December each year, but with an impact that lasts all year round.
This year Small Business Saturday takes place on 3 December 2022.
https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com
About American Express
American Express is a globally integrated payments company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success.
Learn more at www.americanexpress.com/uk and connect with us on facebook.com/AmericanExpressUK, instagram.com/americanexpressUK, linkedin.com/comp any/american-express, twitter.com/AmexUK, and youtube.com/AmericanExpressUK.
Key links to products, services and corporate responsibility information: charge and credit cards, business charge cards, travel services, merchant services, corporate cards, and corporate responsibility.