CHESTER ENTREPRENEUR CELEBRATED AT HOUSE OF LORDS #Blog

Victoria Hayes
2nd December 2022

Kingdom Thenga, owner of The Suburbs, The Yard, Old Dukes, Kingdom Recommends and Croes Howell 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 withthe campaign’s founder and principal supporterAmerican Express, the event honoured Kingdom 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. Kingdom was featured in recognition of his impressive entrepreneurial journey, which has seen himcreate a cocktail bar with a true community feeling in Hoole, and then spread the spirit of ubuntu via other bars and restaurants around Chester.

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.

Kingdom said, “It’s an honour to be amongst such inspiring businesses from different backgrounds and to see the great work and innovation in their fields! There is no doubt that 2022 has been a massive challenge and a tough year for small businesses. With the support of our community and stakeholders is the only way we can get through it. I am forever grateful and humbled by the support of the people in Hoole and Chester as a whole. I am a very lucky man to have my family & friends behind me and supporting me through this year. I thank you & can’t thank you enough.

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, it was fantastic meeting many other small businesses.”

‘It was wonderful to host this special event at the House of Lords and mark the achievements of KingdomThenga, 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 ofthe UK high street and commitment to encouragingconsumers 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 The Suburbs will be celebrating Small Business Saturday. Small Business Saturday has been a game changer in highlighting & supporting small businesses & I take my hat off to them for the work they do. Long may they continue supporting us all. The Suburbs will be doing 241 Cocktails on Saturday & bottles of prosecco for £15 to celebrate Small Business Saturday. We looking forward to having you & sharing a glass or two.

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.”