Elena Nicola and Nick Walsh at the Small Awards
Ashley Walsh

Celebrating Community Champions: Nickel Support Wins ‘Heart of Gold’ at the Small Awards

At a fantastic evening of small business celebrations on the 16th May, our parent company Nickel Support won the “Heart of Gold”  award which recognises the small businesses that contribute a bit extra to their local community. Businesses working with other small businesses, local charities, schools, local councils or their local residents to achieve great things.

The annual Small Awards celebrates small businesses making significant contributions to their communities. It is a glittering event held in St Mary’s Church, Marylebone in central London and hosted by presenter, writer, actor and comedian, Sue Perkins.

Heart-of-Gold-Nickel-Support-CIC-with-judge-Liz-Barclay-the-Small-Business-Commissioner-for-the-UK

A Heartfelt Victory

Here at Nickel Support, community is at the forefront of what we do. Not only creating a welcoming and inclusive space for both the adults with learning disabilities whom we support but also their wider network of parents and carers. Through our Interestingly Different enterprise we connect with organisations across the country. Supporting them to create impact in their own communities through the purchase of their products. As a Community Interest Company, creating positive social impact has always been at the forefront of what we do. Therefore this award really means a lot.

Our co-founder Elena Nicola expressed her joy and gratitude, saying, “We are absolutely delighted and honoured to have received this award. We are so grateful to have been recognized for the hard work that we are doing both within the learning disability world, but also further afield in our work with other social enterprises. We hope to continue to break down the barriers for our trainees and to see real and meaningful change in the perception of what people with learning disabilities are able to achieve.”

The Small Awards: Celebrating the Best of British Small Businesses

Now in its eighth year, The Small Awards is a nationwide celebration of the UK’s smallest and greatest businesses, spanning all sectors. Organised by Small Business Britain, this event aims to champion, inspire, and accelerate the nation’s 5.5 million small businesses. This year, ninety businesses were shortlisted across eleven categories, ranging from ‘Digital Stars’ to ‘High Street Heroes’ and mission-driven businesses with a ‘Heart of Gold’.

Nickel Support’s recognition places them among the top small businesses in the UK, highlighting their story of drive, innovation, and unwavering dedication to their community. Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder of Small Business Britain and the Small Awards, remarked, “Congratulations to Nickel Support, who impressed our team and judges with their story of drive and innovation, and dedication to their community. We are delighted to have celebrated with them at such a beautiful event that shines a much-needed light on so many extraordinary entrepreneurs, like Nick and Elena, and their fabulous businesses.”

Nick Walsh and Elena Nicola holding Small Award

A Night of Celebration

The awards ceremony was a night to remember, featuring a dazzling display of entertainment by the London Gay Men’s Chorus, Europe’s largest gay male choir, and an array of fine food and drink provided by independent caterers. The event brought together the best of the best in the small business community, creating an atmosphere of celebration and inspiration.

Minister for Small Business Kevin Hollinrake MP, who attended the event and presented the Small Business of the Year Award, emphasised the importance of small businesses in the UK. “The Small Awards are a reminder of the innovation and tenacity that makes the UK’s small businesses the best in the world. I congratulate this year’s winners on their well-deserved awards and wish them every success for the future,” he said.

Looking Ahead

With this ‘Heart of Gold’ award, Nickel Support will continue to pave the way for a more inclusive and supportive community. Striving to not only enrich the lives of our trainees but also challenge societal perceptions and create meaningful change. As we look to the future, Nick, Elena and the whole team at Nickel Support remain committed to our mission of breaking down barriers and demonstrating the incredible potential of individuals with learning disabilities.

Of course the work we do is greatly enhanced by the support of our local community. From furniture donations, instore and online purchases from our shop, and our partnerships with local businesses and suppliers.

So to everyone who has supported us over the years, we truly thank you.

To support us by purchasing from us visit our shop here.

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