From 10 to 11

by Jan

Once again this year (2025) we were delighted to appear on the shortlist for Small Business Britain's High Street Heroes Award, which recognises businesses who contribute to the success of their street and support their community and neighbouring businesses. Sadly, as in 2024, we didn't win, but we did have a fabulous time at the awards ceremony in London in May, meeting the owners of other inspiring businesses including two other members of the UK Hand Knitting Association (UKHKA).

In our finery at The Small awards 2025

We returned home from the awards ceremony and got on with business as usual at 10 College Street, including the recent launch of our online shop. But then, a couple of weeks ago, we were stunned to receive an invitation from no less a person than The Right Honourable Rachel Reeves, The Chancellor of the Exchequer, to attend a reception at 11 Downing Street! And so, on Tuesday, I found myself going from 10 to 11.

Nothing is ever simple travelling from west Wales, and it wasn't helped by my car breaking down after just 20 miles, limping it to the house of some friends, being ferried to Swansea train station, and needing to stop in Reading before travelling on to London. I did, however make it in time, only to discover that Jon's name was on the list not mine and thus being denied entry. After a tense 15 minutes outside the gates of Downing Street I was allowed in... phew!

There were representatives of about 65 businesses at the reception and we were welcomed by the Chancellor herself. It was particularly noticeable that all the art work in the reception room was of or by women. This was a specific choice - the Chancellor replaced all the previous artwork in the room, selecting paintings from the government's art collection to replace all those stuffy white guys who were there when she moved in. As the first female Chancellor of the Exchequer, she wants women to be represented not only in parliament, but also in the decor!

UK Hand Knitting Association ladies at 11 Downing Street: Shirley (The Upton Stitchery), Gill (Button Boutique) and me (The Snail of Happiness) in front of a portrait of Mary Isabella Grant (1830-1854), Knitting a Shawl. Photograph courtesy of David Madden.

The Chancellor took time to talk to many of the attendees, including me, and I was able to highlight to her the importance of the circular economy and to remind her of the existence of Wales!

Phones and cameras are not allowed inside the building, but we were allowed to take photos outside, including of a special VIP (very important puss), Larry.

Jan and Gill at the gates to Downing Street

Jan at the door of 10 Downing Street

Jan at the door of 11 Downing Street

Larry the Downing Street mouser

All in all, it was a memorable event, and a delight to meet so many small business owners. I suspect this was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Next time, it's Jon's turn.