A Night to Remember at The Small Awards

Last night, I had the honour of attending The Small Awards — and what an evening it was! While I didn’t come home with a trophy, I left feeling incredibly inspired and uplifted by the remarkable community of small business owners around me.

The masquerade-themed celebration was a stroke of genius. It created a fun, welcoming atmosphere and sparked conversations with so many brilliant entrepreneurs. I had the pleasure of learning about their journeys and the amazing ventures they’ve built — each one unique, passionate, and deeply impactful.

I was thrilled to be shortlisted for the Net Hero award. The category was packed with impressive contenders, which, in itself, is worth celebrating. It’s a powerful sign that sustainable businesses are no longer niche — they’re thriving, and the world is starting to pay attention to the importance of eco-conscious innovation.

The incomparable Sue Perkins hosted the night with her signature wit and infectious energy. One of the standout moments for me was seeing genuine inclusion in action — with sign language interpreters on stage and strong support for disabled entrepreneurs. It was a meaningful reminder that true progress includes everyone.

As for the outfit? I stepped out in a borrowed, vintage dress that’s over 25 years old. Black-tie glam with a story — and a nod to sustainability. Because in my book, reuse is the new new.

Congratulations to all the well-deserved winners. And thank you to The Small Awards for shining a spotlight on small businesses making a big difference.