A Once-in-a-Lifetime Week: Celebrating Small Business Saturday at the House of Lords and 11 Downing Street

A Big Moment for a Small Business

This month handed me one of the most unforgettable experiences of my small business journey. As part of this year’s Small Biz 100, I was invited to the House of Lords in London for a special Small Business Saturday celebration. Walking into such an iconic place as the owner of a handmade jewellery business that started at my kitchen table felt surreal. And honestly, having my husband with me made it all the more meaningful. He’s been in the trenches with me from day one, so it felt right that he was there to share the moment.

Celebrating with Fellow Small Biz 100 Owners

The room was full of brilliant small business owners from every corner of the UK, each with their own story and passion. We heard inspiring talks from Dan Edelman from American Express UK, Michelle Ovens CBE and Blair McDougall, the Minister for Small Business. They spoke about the power of small enterprises in driving growth, creating jobs and keeping communities thriving. McDougall summed it up perfectly when he said small businesses are central to the country’s growth mission and encouraged everyone to support their favourite independents this weekend.

A Chance to Share Local Challenges

I was also visited by a delegate sent by my local MP. They spent time speaking with us about the day-to-day challenges faced by small and independent businesses in our community. It meant a lot that someone was there to listen, understand and hopefully feed that insight back into real conversations around policy and support.

An Evening Reception at 11 Downing Street

Just when I thought the week couldn’t possibly get any bigger, another invitation arrived — this time from Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor of the Exchequer. I was invited to an evening reception at 11 Downing Street for the Small Biz 100. Walking through that famous door felt like stepping into another world. Reeves delivered a thoughtful speech on the importance of supporting small businesses, recognising the role we play in the UK’s economy and everyday life. It was a once-in-a-lifetime occasion, the sort of surreal treat I’ll be talking about for years.

What Small Business Saturday Means

Small Business Saturday is a huge nationwide celebration of the independent shops, makers, service providers and local entrepreneurs who keep our communities vibrant. Every year, millions of people get involved, showing support online, in local shops, in studios and in offices. Many small businesses host events, run special promotions or collaborate with other independents. Dan Edelman described it perfectly when he said that behind every small business is a dreamer, a doer and someone devoted to serving their community.

How I’m Celebrating the Campaign

I’ll be marking the day by shining a light on handmade craft, showcasing some of my favourite pieces and reminding people why shopping small matters. Independent businesses keep skills alive, support local jobs and genuinely make a difference to families like mine.

A Moment to Reflect and Celebrate

This whole experience has been a standout highlight of my year. It gave me a rare moment to pause and feel proud of how far my business has come. Small businesses might be small, but we have a big impact, and this week made that clearer than ever.

Here’s to everyone who chooses to support small businesses not just on Small Business Saturday, but throughout the year.