Jacquie Dove, owner of The Lyn Valley Dog House in Lynton, was one of hundreds of small businesses joining a special reception at the House of Lords in November to celebrate the upcoming Small Business Saturday.
Small Business Saturday is on 2 December 2023 to celebrate small business success and encourages people to ‘shop local’ and support businesses in their communities.
Hosted by Small Business Saturday, in partnership with the campaign’s founder and principal supporter American Express, the event at Parliament honoured The Lyn Valley Dog House as part of this year’s SmallBiz100.
The SmallBiz100 is a line-up of 100 outstanding small businesses from all over the country, which have been spotlighted in the lead-up to Small Business Saturday.
The Lyn Valley Dog House was featured in recognition of its inspiring entrepreneurial journey, which has seen them move from an online business, to a small shop and most recently into a larger premises, allowing them to offer everything the discerning dog could want, including a professional grooming service.
Jacquie Dove said, “I am so thrilled to have been chosen to represent North Devon on Small Business Saturday. It is the culmination of everything my supporters and I have been working towards for the last three years. Programmes like this are vital to supporting and raising awareness of smaller enterprises like ours.”
Small business owners from this year’s SmallBiz100 line-up and MPs from across the political spectrum came together at the reception, with both Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Technology and the Digital Economy Saqib Bhatti, and the Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Industrial Strategy Jonathan Reynolds speaking at the event and meeting many entrepreneurs.
Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK, said: “We really enjoyed hosting this special event at the House of Lords and marking the successes of The Lyn Valley Dog House, as well as seeing Small Business Saturday into its second decade in the UK.
“Small businesses are facing many challenges across the UK at the moment, and the aim of the campaign has always been to encourage entrepreneurs, boost support and highlight the hugely positive impact of these firms on society and the wider economy.”
Business Action was selected as one of the SmallBiz100 in 2019 and editor Robert Zarywacz is delighted that more North Devon businesses are applying for and achieving this recognition: “Congratulations to Jacquie and the Lyn Valley Dog House, both for achieving the recognition she deserves but also for flying the flag for North Devon. We hope this encourages more local businesses to apply for the SmallBiz100 in 2024.”
Small Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake said: “The innovation and talent of firms like The Lyn Valley Dog House are vital to our economy and prosperity and it is right that we celebrate the incredible achievements that they’ve made.
“Small businesses are an irreplaceable part of our local communities which is why our recent Autumn Statement for growth is supporting them with a business rates support package worth £4.3 billion.”
Small Business Saturday – 2 December 2023
The House of Lords event kicks off a week of celebrations ahead of Small Business Saturday, as it marks its second decade in the UK.
A grassroots, not-for-profit campaign, Small Business Saturday was originally founded by American Express in the US in 2010. American Express 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.
On Small Business Saturday, customers across the UK go out and support all types of small businesses, online, in offices and in stores; from independent shops and restaurants to small service and b2b businesses like accountants and plumbers.
Many small businesses celebrate the day by hosting events, offering promotions, and collaborating with other small businesses.
This weekend The Lyn Valley Dog House will be marking the campaign by joining with other local small businesses in the Lynton Community Chrimbo event. This is a day where the town’s independent shops and eateries give back to the community that supports them during the busy summer season. As a thank you to their amazing customers, every dog that visits The Lyn Valley Dog House, will receive a festive goodie bag. Santa Paws will be helping to raise money for the Dogs Trust, and there will be a raffle for Many Tears Animal Sanctuary.
Running for over a decade, Small Business Saturday is the UK’s most successful business campaign, engaging millions around the value of small businesses and seeing billions of pounds spent with small firms on the day.
Dan Edelman, General Manager, UK Merchant Services at American Express, said: “Small businesses contribute so much to local communities across the UK but continue to face a raft of challenges. That’s why we continue to champion them and the inspiring entrepreneurs running these businesses through our ongoing support of Small Business Saturday, and by encouraging our Cardmembers to shop with them all year round.”
Remember to support your local small businesses on 2 December!
Details 07989 108186 or thelynvalleydoghouse.com
