This year’s Small Awards saw a children’s store and community space in Sheffield win the UK’s best small high street business. Presenting the awards at a ceremony in London was host, presenter, writer, actor and comedian, Sue Perkins.
Small Stuff, which combines a children’s store offering sustainable toys and products and a community hub supporting local businesses and families, won the High Street Hero award sponsored by TSB for its positive impact on the community.
Impressing judges with her passionate support of the local high street, founder Hellen Stirling-Baker grew the business from its roots as a pop-up in 2016 to having permanent premises in Sheffield’s Crookes district three years ago.
A community hub
In particular, Stirling-Baker has created a space above the shop where other local businesses can host workshops, events and pop-ups. The space provides a rest area for parents and carers too, while children can explore and play in-store. Small Stuff also helped create an online marketplace to support other local businesses during the pandemic. This is alongside growing its own thriving online store.
“We are so delighted to win this award,” says Stirling-Baker. “The long-term vibrancy of Crookes High Street means the world to all of us at Small Stuff. We are looking forward to the future of supporting more talented local people in the community, as well as continuing to serve our customers.”
Now in its sixth year, the Small Awards is a nationwide search for the UK’s smallest and greatest firms. Small Business Britain organises the awards annually to champion, inspire and accelerate UK small businesses.
Also commenting is Michelle Ovens CBE, founder of Small Business Britain and the Small Awards.
“Small Stuff’s win is very well deserved. Their passion for helping the high street to thrive by supporting other local firms is a great example of the power of small businesses to bring communities together and be a shining light in our town and city centres.”
This year, the Small Awards received a record number of applications. Over 80 finalists were on the shortlist across 11 Small Award categories; from sole traders to digital stars and purposeful, community-driven businesses.
Adeel Hyder, Business Banking Director at TSB, also adds; “Congratulations to Small Stuff, who truly are high street heroes and worthy winners across this incredibly competitive award category. It is great to be celebrating British small businesses, reminding people of the incredible value local high streets provide in driving business and community.”
For further information on the Small Awards, please click here. Alternatively, click here to visit Small Stuff’s website.
