South London Entrepreneurs celebrated at the House of Lords

Nathaniel Wade and Albert Larter, co-founders of Wakuda were two 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 with the campaign’s founder and principal supporter American Express, the event honoured Wakuda 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. Wakuda was featured in recognition of their impressive entrepreneurial journey, which has seen them spot a gap overlooked by mainstream retailers and launch a curated marketplace of cultural gifts from Black-owned local businesses.

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.

Nathaniel Wade said, “It’s huge for us that Wakuda has been recognised in the Small Biz 100 among so many businesses I’m personally inspired by. To be a part of this campaign and receive the support provided by Small Business Saturday has been amazing for us.”

’It was wonderful to host this special event at the House of Lords and mark the achievements of Wakuda, 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.”

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.

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 £13.6bn package for business rate payers, £500m of which is earmarked specifically for small businesses.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily