Small Business Saturday in Stockport
Stockport’s independent businesses are such an integral part of our local economy and our community.
Small businesses make up over 99% of UK companies and play a crucial role in driving innovation, supporting jobs, and keeping our high streets vibrant. Here in Stockport, there are so many hubs of great businesses. From Castle Street in Edgeley to Bramhall Lane in Davenport, Broadstone Road and Reddish Road, to Heaton Moor Road and Stockport Town Centre, I am proud to represent a thriving network of small businesses.
To recognise their incredible contributions, this year, I launched the Stockport Small Business Saturday Awards. I would like to thank everyone in Stockport constituency who nominated their favourite small businesses. After receiving over 3,000 votes in the final round, I was delighted to visit each winner personally to deliver their award.
Stockport’s Best Small Business: Kate O’Brien Art
My first stop was to meet Kate O’Brien, whose artwork has captured the imagination of residents across Stockport and beyond. I have purchased some of her artwork in the past and I know that her creativity and passion are evident in every piece she produces. Her ability to celebrate our local heritage through art has clearly resonated with the community. It was a pleasure to present her with the award for Stockport’s Best Small Business.
Website - https://kate-obrien.co.uk/
Best Customer Service: The Coffee Bean Dream
Next, I visited The Coffee Bean Dream, where their reputation for warm service and friendly faces is truly well-earned. Sarah’s commitment to putting customers first made the Coffee Bean Dream stand out to residents, and I was delighted to present them with the award for Best Customer Service. Sarah uses locally sourced compostable cups and fairtrade, sustainable products such as local Worker Bee tea, coffee and hot chocolate.
Website - https://www.thecoffeebeandream.co.uk/
Best Food & Drink: Reddish Ale
Reddish Ale has become a real favourite among local residents. Craig and his team’s passion for craft beer and genuine commitment to the local community makes them a brilliant ambassador for Stockport’s increasingly vibrant food and drink scene. Councillor Rachel Wise and I enjoyed some of their delicious homemade soup and bread. Reddish Ale also runs a brilliant initiative selling affordable veg boxes filled with produce from Organic North and local growers.They took home the award for Best Small Business Serving Food and Drink.
Website - https://www.reddishale.com/
Best Place for Gifts: Knit2Tog Wool Shop
Full of colour and creativity, Knit2Tog is a haven for crafters and gift-seekers alike. Janet and her team are thoroughly deserving winners of the Best Small Business for Buying Gifts award.
Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/Knit2togwoolshop
Best New Small Business: The Last Track
Finally, I stopped by The Last Track, an exciting new addition to Stockport’s small business landscape. The Last Track has delivered something fresh for local customers and I was thrilled to present them the award for Stockport’s Best New Small Business. It was great to meet Izzy and Hadey and hear their plans for the future.
Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564913116988
The Importance of Supporting Our Local Businesses
The Small Business Saturday campaign highlights a crucial point: supporting small businesses is not just something we do once a year. Whether it is a family-run café, a creative studio, a specialist retailer or a brand-new enterprise, these businesses bring character and opportunity to our town and should always be prioritised.
The Labour Government remains committed to empowering small businesses. The Small Business Plan, launched in July this year, outlines the most significant package of legislative reforms in 25 years to tackle late payments; unlocking billions of pounds in finance to support businesses to invest; removing unnecessary red tape; revitalising the High Street as a place to do business; and delivering growth boosting support for Digital Adoption and AI. The new Business Growth Service will also streamline and strengthen the business support offer from the Government, making it easier and quicker to get the support and advice small businesses need to start, grow and succeed.
I am proud to champion Stockport’s small business community and grateful to everyone who took part in this year’s competition, whether by nominating their favourite business or spreading the word. Congratulations once again to all of our winners and all businesses who were nominated.