GOBSMACKED small business owners were last week given a special doorstep surprise after being crowned winners of the prestigious UK-wide Small Awards.

Eleven stunned entrepreneurs were presented with a trophy at their very own front door after blazing a trail for the small business community through lockdown.

Fashion designers, community heroes and health workers were among those honoured as the innovative online awards ceremony shined a light on the UK’s most successful and inspiring small businesses.

Kerry Mackay, owner of eco-friendly cleaning pad business ScrubbiesUK, won the Small Business of the Year Award and was stunned by the recognition during the unique ceremony that broke ‘zoom fatigue’ with surprise real-life appearances.

The North Wales resident, who set up the business after having to rely on food banks but turned over £50k in her first year, said: “I can’t believe the Small Awards came to my house.

“I was so surprised to get a knock on my door! To be recognised with this award is amazing and I’m really humbled, especially given I was up against some incredible businesses.

“Two years ago my son and I were in desperate poverty, and I decided to claw my way out of that situation.

“It's been a tough road to get to where I am now – particularly with the pandemic and schools being off.

“I’ve been sewing at my table for ninety hours a week. But my small business is branching out in so many exciting directions and I’m now more determined than ever to reach my goals.”

Kerry relies on no outside funding and now sells her reusable, compostable sponges wholesale across Europe. 

And she is continuing to expand manufacturing by working with local prisons, helping offenders improve their skills through a series of fresh initiatives.

Kerry was just one of 11 national winners at the 2021 Small Awards, with new start-up Simply Noir – that supports UK black-owned independent businesses – also scooping the ‘New Kid on the Block’ award.

Other winners included Local e Sourced in Herefordshire – an online marketplace for the county’s independent businesses – London micro bakery Ma Baker, disability-conscious fashion designer Kintsugi Clothing and Ethos Nursing – spearheaded by nurse Samantha Styles-Hudson.

Surrey florist Mad Lilies claimed the ‘High Street Hero’ award – sponsored by TSB – while Cornwall jewellery designer Lucy Kemp Jewellery was honoured for her multi-channel approach.

Thurrock Gazette: Alison Howe, owner of Mad Lilies, was honoured for her inspirational exploits through lockdownAlison Howe, owner of Mad Lilies, was honoured for her inspirational exploits through lockdown

Other inspiring small businesses recognised included London-based company Nemi Teas – who scooped the ‘Mission Impossible’ award for its game-changing work employing refugees – and Staffordshire food supplier David A Parker, who claimed the ‘Supply Chain Champion’ award for the collaborative relationships it has developed.

The Small Awards is currently in its fifth year and is organised by Small Business Britain, which champions, inspires and accelerates small businesses across the UK.

The awards were judged by a panel of leading enterprise experts, with the online ceremony adopting the theme of the upcoming James Bond film and featuring guests dressing up in black tie. 

And Michelle Ovens CBE, founder of Small Business Britain added: “The Small Awards is all about celebrating the uniquely special and amazing contribution of small firms, which has never been more apparent than in the last year. 

“All small businesses should be proud of the way they have coped during this pandemic, but special congratulations must go to our amazing winners who have inspired us all! We are so delighted to have delivered such a fun event, and to have managed to take an online event to the next level with so many door-step surprises!”   

For more information please contact media@smallbusinessbritain.uk