A Night to Remember: Celebrating Small Businesses with the FSB

Last week, Jane and I headed to Blackpool for an evening brimming with sequins, fizz, anticipation and connections! It felt like an episode of Strictly Come Dancing, with Tess Daly charming everyone as the compère and stunning West End performers delivering breathtaking performances. We were, in fact, attending the FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards gala at the iconic Winter Gardens Empress Ballroom. It was a fantastic event made even more special as FSB marked their 50th anniversary.

 

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is the UK’s leading membership organisation for small businesses and the self-employed. Whether starting, running, or growing a business, the FSB offers invaluable support, numerous benefits, and advocacy at all government levels. We’re delighted to be a part of this vibrant community.

Each year, the FSB Awards celebrate small businesses across the UK. I'm incredibly honoured that we won the FSB Regional Micro Business Award 2024 and it was a proud moment to represent London at the prestigious gala evening, surrounded by industry leaders, influencers, and fellow entrepreneurs. May I take this opportunity to extend my heart-felt congratulations to all the national winners announced that evening.

As I reflect on the night, I'm filled with gratitude and excitement, eager to share our experience with you. While pictures and videos capture some moments, I want to highlight a few standout memories.

Upon arriving at the Winter Gardens, I asked for directions to a specific door which is where Jane and I had planned to meet. Fortunately, I encountered Julie Lilley, Chief Exec of the FSB, who kindly guided me. We had a delightful conversation about the awards, Blackpool, and, of course, our Cocorose shoes. I was wearing a pair of my Hoxton Pastel Pink Studded trainers, and Jane showcased her Barbican Desert Gold foldable shoes in all its glory.

 Martin McTague OBE, National Chair of FSB, delivered an inspiring introduction. He praised the "tenacity and downright hard work of entrepreneurs and those who work so hard alongside them."  He went on to address the room and say, “The FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards is both a celebration of you and your achievements in business. And while [starting, running and growing a business] can be a hugely rewarding experience personally as well as financially, it also involves risks and costs, challenges and often personal sacrifices. This evening is a celebration of that.”

 And where better to celebrate than Blackpool? As Tess Daly said, she loves the "glitz and the glamour, the heritage and the sense of fun, but I also love what’s behind the sparkling image because if you’re going to succeed in Blackpool, like anywhere else in life, then you’ve got to combine talent with innovation and sheer determination.” Wise words indeed, especially coming from someone with experience in the field.

The night was filled with cherished moments and joyous celebrations. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the FSB team, sponsors (Tyl by NatWest, Google, FSB Insurance Service, Markel, Allica Bank, and Your Business magazine), and judges.

Most importantly, we owe our deepest gratitude to our loyal customers and supporters—our Cocorosers. You are the heart and soul of our journey, driving every success and milestone. Thank you for your unwavering support and for being the wind beneath our wings.

We put together a great little video of our FSB Award celebration. To watch it on Instagram, please click here. Or if you prefer to watch on Facebook, please click here.

 

Janan & Team Cocorose xx