Member Article

North East Entrepreneur Celebrated at House of Lords

Inspiring small business owners from across the UK attended a special event.

Founder of Kind Currency, Michelle Jones, was invited to a special reception at the House of Lords last week, to be recognised for their successes and achievements as a small business owner.

Hosted by Small Business Saturday, in partnership with the campaign’s principle supported American Express, the event celebrated the SmallBiz100 – 100 inspiring small businesses from all over the country that are highlighted as part of the Small Business Saturday UK campaign.

Kind Currency was named a SmallBiz100 in 2021 in recognition of her impressive entrepreneurial journey, which has seen Michelle launch an exciting new Community Interest Company with The Kindness Fund charity at the heart of its purpose.

Michelle said: “The mission of the fund is to close the disadvantaged gap and reduce the poverty rate. This will be achieved through the membership community, an opportunity to create acts of kindness with every £1 you spend. The membership will support consumers to make kinder lifestyle choices and support local ethical businesses and help businesses provide their services and products with kinder values. I am delighted that Small Business Saturday has recognised the power of this.”

Bringing together entrepreneurs from this year’s SmallBiz100 line-up the guests were treated to afternoon tea overlooking the Thames. Entrepreneurs from across the country met with Small Business Minister, Paul Scully. The event kicked off a week of celebrations leading to Small Business Saturday, which last year saw a estimated £1.1bn spent on the day itself with small businesses.

Now in its ninth year, Small Business Saturday celebrates small business success and encourages consumers to shop local supporting business in their communities. Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK, said:

“Hosting this special event at the House of Lords for amazing businesses like Kind Currency felt like the best to say thank you for their incredible effort and contribution over the last couple of years. They can be totally proud of everything they’ve achieved.”

Small Business Minister Paul Scully praised the business owners for their continued commitment to their communities:

“From the pubs, restaurants and shops that make our high streets tick, to leisure and personal care services – like the hairdresser who saved my post-lockdown blushes last year – small businesses are the at the heart of our way of life. I urge everyone to shop safely and back their local businesses.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Anna Toms .