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

Chloe Peters owner of Jam on Toast Marketing, and co-founder of The Bee’s Knees Business Club was one of hundreds of inspirational small businesses attending a special reception at the House of Lords on Tuesday (29/11/2022), 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 Jam on Toast Marketing 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. Jam on Toast Marketing was featured in recognition of their impressive entrepreneurial journey.

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.

Chloe said, “It was a fabulous day at The House of Lords, I met lots of small businesses and heard some truly inspirational stories. I invited local resident & business owner, Toni from Glamavan as my plus one as she has been a SmallBiz100 in previous years but restrictions were in place because of Covid, and Bekka Prideaux also joined the Leighton Buzzard crew as she is a Small Business Britain Mentor.

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 Jam on Toast Marketing as well as celebrating ten years of Small Business Saturday,” said Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business 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.”

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 Jam on Toast Marketing will be celebrating Small Business Saturday by supporting LB First who are hosting a Small Business Saturday Marketing, in collaboration with Leighton Buzzard Market and shopping local!

Leighton Buzzard Businesses are (L-R); Toni Cassidy of Glamavan, Chloe Peters of Jam on Toast Marketing and Bekka Prideaux of Bekka Prideaux Consultancy.