Lee Chambers, the founder of Essentialise Workplace Wellbeing, was one of a hundred 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 Essentialise 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. Essentialise Workplace Wellbeing was featured in recognition of Chambers impressive entrepreneurial journey, which has seen them more than double in clients and start 3 social impact projects in 2022.
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.
Lee Chambers said, “Being invited to the House of Lords alongside a range of other Small Business leaders and ministers for business was both exciting and a little frightening. It’s a privilege to be in a place of influence and a voice for other small businesses, and I am determined to use this to ensure I highlight just how important our region is and what’s important to us. I want to show my appreciation for all those that encourage and support our journey.”
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 Essentialise, 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 Essentialise will be celebrating Small Business Saturday by showcasing local small businesses that have presents and products that are perfect for the festive season and add back into the local economy.
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.”
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