The Duffey family, owners of Sunnyside Guest House in Southport, joined a special reception hosted for a hundred small businesses at the House of Lords on Tuesday, in the lead-up to Small Business Saturday this weekend.
They were also part of a small contingent invited to Downing Street to meet Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
Taking place this Saturday (6th December 2025), the campaign celebrates small business success and encourages people to support and spend with small businesses.
Hosted by Small Business Saturday, in partnership with the campaign’s founder and principal supporter American Express, the event in Westminster spotlighted Sunnyside as part of this year’s SmallBiz100.
The SmallBiz100 is a line-up of 100 brilliant small businesses from all over the country, which are being highlighted as part of the Small Business Saturday UK campaign.
This comes as new joint research by Small Business Saturday UK and American Express shows that small businesses are the nation’s favourites. Over half of Brits (58%) say they have a favourite small business1 and 95% of people believe small businesses add value to local areas.
The event at the House of Lords kicks off a week of celebrations ahead of Small Business Saturday, as it marks the contribution of the nation’s 5.6 million small businesses to communities, the local economy and the whole of the UK.
Sunnyside Guest House was featured in recognition of their inspiring entrepreneurial journey, which has seen them win the titles of Best B&B in England and Ethical, Responsible, Sustainable Tourism Business of the Year at the Visit England Awards for Excellence
Anthony Duffey said, “It’s been an extraordinary year for our small business. We’ve been fortunate to receive significant recognition, beginning with winning Best B&B and Most Sustainable Tourism Business at the local tourism awards in February. To then win both categories at a national level at the Visit England Awards was truly remarkable. Being selected as the faces of the national advertising campaign promoting the exciting cultural events coming to Southport in 2026 was another memorable highlight. Visiting both the House of Lords and attending a special event at Downing Street hosted by Rachel Reeves has been a fantastic way to round off an incredible year for us.
Small business owners from across the UK and MPs from across the political spectrum came together at the reception with the Small Business Minister, Blair McDougall MP, speaking at the event, and many other MPs meeting entrepreneurs in their constituencies.
Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK, said: “Small businesses like Sunnyside Guest House create incredible value in their communities and as the research shows are among the nation’s favourites. We are so glad to have celebrated them at the House of Lords this week.
“It is so important we get behind our small businesses – public support for entrepreneurs can make all the difference. This Small Business Saturday, we encourage everyone to support their favourite independents, on the day and beyond.”
A grassroots, not-for-profit campaign, Small Business Saturday was originally founded by American Express in the U.S. in 2010. American Express remains the principal supporter of the campaign in the UK, as part of its ongoing support of the UK high street and commitment to encouraging consumers to shop small.
On Small Business Saturday, customers across the UK go out and support all types of small businesses, online, in offices and in stores; from independent shops and restaurants to small service and b2b businesses like accountants and plumbers.
Many small businesses celebrate the day by hosting events, offering promotions, and collaborating with other small businesses.
Blair McDougall, Minister for Small Business, said: “Small businesses are key to our growth mission – creating jobs, strengthening our communities – which is why I am so pleased to be celebrating their incredible contribution this Small Business Saturday.
“This Government is backing SMEs with our landmark Plan for Small Business, and I urge the public to do the same by visiting their favourite local shops this weekend.”
This weekend, Sunnyside will be joining the celebrations by releasing room availability for the key 2026 dates linked to Southport’s ‘Elegantly Eccentric’ programme, which features exciting new events such as:
· Lightport – a February light and sound trail
· Cristal Palace – a free April show featuring 26 acrobats from France performing on a chandelier installation in the town centre
· Big Top Festival – a modern circus festival taking place in May
Small Business Saturday is the UK’s most successful business campaign, engaging millions across the country and seeing billions of pounds spent with small firms over the decade it has been running.
Dan Edelman, General Manager, UK Merchant Services, American Express, said: “Behind every small business is a person — a dreamer, a doer, and someone devoted to serving their community. This research shows how much the public values these individuals and Amex is proud to back them as principal supporter of Small Business Saturday.”
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