CHESHIRE ENTREPRENEURS CELEBRATED AT HOUSE OF LORDS #News

Victoria Hayes
1st December 2021

Inspiring small business owners from across the UK attended a special event ahead of Small Business Saturday

Richard J Smith founder of The Wine School of Cheshire and Mark Jarvis, Managing Director of The Chester Fields, were both invited to a special reception at the House of Lords on Monday, to be recognised for their successes and achievements as small business owners.

Hosted by Small Business Saturday, in partnership with the campaign’s principal supporter American Express, the event celebrated the SmallBiz100 – 100 inspiring small businesses from all over the country that are highlighted as part of the Small Business Saturday UK campaign.

Both The Wine School of Cheshire and The Chester Fields were named a SmallBiz100 in 2020, in recognition of their impressive entrepreneurial journey.

Richard and Mark said, “We were both thrilled to attend the House of Lords together as Cheshire winners for 2020 and it was fantastic to catch up in person, especially after the challenges for all of us over the last 18 months”

Bringing together entrepreneurs from this year’s SmallBiz100 line-up and those called out in 2020, the guests were treated to afternoon tea overlooking the Thames. Entrepreneurs from across the country met with Small Business Minister, Paul Scully, along with enjoying the opportunity to come together for the first time since the pandemic hit.

The House of Lords event kicks off a week of celebrations ahead of Small Business Saturday, which returns this weekend (4 December) following record-breaking success last year, which saw an estimated £1.1 billion spent with small businesses on the day itself.

Now in its ninth year in the UK, Small Business Saturday celebrates small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support businesses in their communities. This year it is calling on the nation to share a ‘big thank you’ with small firms to recognise their vital role throughout the pandemic.

Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK said:

‘Hosting this special event at the House of Lords for amazing businesses like The Wine School of Cheshire and The Chester Fields felt like the best way to say a big thank you for their incredible effort and contribution over these past tough couple of years. They can be really proud of everything they’ve achieved, and we hope the afternoon was a positive way to draw 2021 to a close.’

Small Business Minister Paul Scully praised the business owners for their continued commitment to their communities:

“From the pubs, restaurants and shops that make our high streets tick, to leisure and personal care services – like the hairdresser who saved my post-lockdown blushes last year – small businesses are at the heart of our way of life. I urge everyone to shop safely and back their local businesses on Small Business Saturday.”

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 brick-and-mortar stores. Many small businesses take an active role in promoting the day by hosting events and offering promotions.

A huge wave of local events is expected across the country this weekend to support independents, as councils and community groups coincide festive markets and fun days with Small Business Saturday, as well as offering free parking in town centres.

Dan Edelman from American Express said:

“It’s so important that we all continue to support our favourite independents on Small Business Saturday and beyond, and we’re proud to play our part through our own Shop Small campaign and as principal supporter of Small Business Saturday.”