Chester and Ellesmere Port small businesses invited to house of Lords

Sarah White, Teana Lynne and Andy Shelton, Gary and Sam Cameron, founders of Sarah White Branding and Photography, The Naughty Badger Bistro and ePay Merchant Services respectively, were three of the small businesses invited to the reception.

Teana Lynne and Sarah White at the House of Lords.

Small Business Saturday celebrates small business success and encourages people to 'shop local' and support businesses in their communities.

In partnership with the campaign’s founder and principal supporter American Express, the event at parliament honoured Chester businesses Sarah White Branding and Photography and The Naughty Badger Bistro, as well as Ellesmere Port firm ePay Merchant Services, as part of this year’s SmallBiz100.

The SmallBiz100 is a line-up of 100 brilliant small businesses from all over the country, which have been spotlighted in the lead-up to Small Business Saturday.

The three businesses were featured in recognition of their inspiring entrepreneurial journeys, which have seen them growing their own businesses, supporting others and putting Cheshire on the map.

Sarah White at the House of Lords.

The House of Lords event took place ahead of ahead of Small Business Saturday, as it marks its second decade in the UK.

Sam Cameron said: “We are delighted to be chosen as one of the SmallBiz100. We have enjoyed meeting other small business owners and are so pleased to be sharing this with two other local businesses, one being one of our lovely customers, The Naughty Badger.”

Sarah White said: "I’m so delighted to have been chosen as one of the SmallBiz100 this year. I’m on a mission to help other small business owners to really reach their potential by being visible and letting the world see how amazing they are, so to be recognised for the work I do by an organisation with values so close to my own makes me very proud!"

Small business owners from this year’s SmallBiz100 line-up and MPs from across the political spectrum came together at the reception, with the Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Industrial Strategy Jonathan Reynolds speaking at the event and meeting many entrepreneurs.

Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK, said: “We really enjoyed hosting this special event at the House of Lords and marking the successes of Sarah White Branding and Photography, The Naughty Badger Bistro and ePay Merchant Services, as well as seeing Small Business Saturday into its second decade in the UK.

“Small businesses are facing many challenges across the UK at the moment, and the aim of the campaign has always been to encourage entrepreneurs, boost support and highlight the hugely positive impact of these firms on society and the wider economy.”

A grassroots, not-for-profit campaign, Small Business Saturday was originally founded by American Express in the US in 2010. American Express 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, online, in offices and in stores; from independent shops and restaurants to small service and b2b businesses like accountants and plumbers.

Many small businesses celebrate the day by hosting events, offering promotions, and collaborating with other small businesses.

Andy Shelton and Teana Lynne at the House of Lords.

Teana Lynne added: “It was an incredible experience, and a real privilege to join the ranks of other #SmallBiz100 2023 businesses and alumni at the House of Lords, rubbing shoulders with our peers from across the UK, whilst being surrounded by living history.”

Andy Shelton said: “It has been an amazing first year for us, winning several awards and now this really has topped it all. It’s been made even more special being able to celebrate alongside other Chester’s business owners like Sam, Gary and Sarah.”