A SMALL business from Helmsley was one of 100 from around the country invited to Downing Street for a reception to mark the UK’s fourth annual Small Business Saturday.

Emma Woods, owner of Duncombe Sawmill in Helmsley, joined other small business owners at a reception at Number10 attended by the Small Business Minister Margot James.

“It was fascinating to see inside Number Ten, and a great opportunity to speak to some fantastic supporters of small business,” said Emma.

“All the team at Duncombe Sawmill are really thrilled to be part of Small Business Saturday this year and one of the 100 chosen businesses.

“It is such a great campaign to promote small businesses throughout the country and something that Helmsley has been actively supporting for the last four years.”

Small Business Saturday is a grassroots, not-for-profit campaign, which puts small, businesses in communities across the country in the national spotlight.

Its aim is to prompt people not only to spend money with small independent businesses in the run-up to Christmas but also to create a mind-set to support them all year round.

Campaign director Michelle Ovens said: “Small Business Saturday has become an exceptional example of collaboration and co-operation with small businesses teaming up in communities around the UK.

“We aim to showcase the level of diversity, innovation and talent that is active within our small business sector and persuade people to support their friends, neighbours and family members and reinforce local communities and economies.”