It’s not every day that we get shortlisted for an award so we were thrilled to hear this week that our founding Community Interest Company (CIC) Nickel Support and by default Interestingly Different have been named a finalist for the prestigious ‘Heart of Gold’ award in this year’s Small Awards.

What are The Small Awards?

Now in its eighth year, The Small Awards is a nationwide search for the smallest and greatest businesses in the UK, across all sectors. It is organised annually by Small Business Britain, which champions, inspires and accelerates the nation’s 5.5 million small businesses.

We have ben selected as one of just ten finalists for the “Heart of Gold” for best business that has a special impact on their local community. The “Heart of Gold” award recognises the small businesses that have a special impact on their local community, and by working with other small businesses, local charities, schools, local councils, or their local residents that have achieved great things.

As a London social enterprise supporting members of our community is very much at the heart of what we do. Our collaborations extend to over 30 small businesses through the ethical gifts we source from across the UK, as well as partnerships with local councils. Community lies at the core of our mission and operations. So to be recognised for this award is wonderful.

The winners of all categories, including the overall Small Business of the Year award, will be announced at a grand awards ceremony in London on 16th May, 2024. This year, the ceremony will take place at St Mary’s church, promising an evening of entertainment, inspiration, and celebration for the UK’s greatest small businesses.

Past acknowledgement from Small Business Britain

This is not the first time we have been recognised by Small Business Britain, Having last year been selected as one of the nation’s 100 most impressive small businesses by the Small Business Saturday UK campaign.

Small Business Saturday is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign,  set up with a mission to support and celebrate the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and to support businesses in their communities.

Each year they select just 100 small businesses to be part of the campaign, which highlights each business across their socials on the 100 days leading up to Small business Saturday, held in December each year.

Being part of the campaign was an amazing experience. Being given exposure as well as the chance to meet other small businesses at receptions at the house of Lords and at the Small biz blue tie ball at St Mary’s Church, Marylebone.

So we will be keeping our fingers crossed for the awards ceremony in May and be sure to let you know how we get on.