Tag: Small Business Saturday

My trip to Downing Street

On 28th November I was delighted to be heading to Downing Street.

I had been invited as a Small Business Champion by the Small Business Saturday Campaign to celebrate 5 years of the campaign.

I had been 2 years ago as part of the small business 100 for 2016.

Firstly I wasn’t sure I should go at such a busy time of year for the business… and then I thought “What an honour! I must go!”. So, after sorting out arrangements for work and childcare, I headed down to London, head buzzing with all the bits I needed to do when I got back. I texted my nephew about meeting him for a drink after he finished work and generally filled my time.

It wasn’t until I got to the gates of Downing Street and saw tourists taking pictures that I realised what a special occasion this was and how privileged I was to be invited.

We had the security checks and the staff at the gates were extremely polite and helpful… they even let me take my giant box of chocolates through.

The invitation this time was for 11 Downing St… it had been no. 10 two years ago!

I met other fellow business champions and we decided to have a few pictures in front of the famous door of no. 10 – alas, the police wouldn’t let me hold up my box of chocolates as it would have been seen as advertising!

We were then invited in to number 11 for a drinks and canapés reception. We had to leave our phones behind in little cubby holes and weren’t allowed to take any pictures whilst inside.

The building itself is beautiful and grand but not overwhelming. The staircase leading up to the reception room at no. 10 has beautiful portraits of previous prime ministers and I did wonder if it would be previous chancellors here.

It isn’t… it is covered with political cartoons, caricatures and engravings of past Chancellors of the Exchequer. It is a tradition that each Chancellor gets to choose the cartoon he wants to represent him.

The afternoon was spent enjoying the setting and chatting with other great small business owners and also meeting the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond and the Secretary of state for health and social care,  Matt Hancock as well as representatives from supporting organisations such as Royal Mail, American Express, the Duke of Edinburgh’s iDEA program and many more.

We had speeches and photos and then the afternoon drew to a close.

It was a very special afternoon and it was delightful. Regardless of politics, everyone was respectful, polite and happy.

I was very glad that I had accepted the invitation and was truly honoured and grateful for being on this interesting small business journey.

As always, I am always thankful for all who support our little business.