Independent Worthing business given spotlight at House of Lords

Wendy March and Jubal Prevatte – owners and founders of Chintz and Wood – attended the special reception alongside hundreds of other small businesses on Tuesday (December 2). It was held in the lead-up to Small Business Saturday this weekend.

Chintz and Wood is a homewares shop in Worthing, selling handmade products. It was featured in recognition of Wendy and Jubal’s inspiring entrepreneurial journey, which has seen them grow a new business focused on craft, creativity and slow living.

Wendy said: "I’m so excited that Chintz and Wood has been chosen as one of the UK’s Small Business 100.

"When we opened our shop in Worthing last year, I wanted to create a place full of beautiful, handmade things for people’s homes – and to be recognized like this feels really special.

"Jubal and I had a brilliant day in London and I was delighted to present the Chancellor of the Exchequer with one of our handmade wooden Christmas trees.”

The SmallBiz100 is a line-up of 100 small businesses from all over the country, which have been highlighted as part of the Small Business Saturday UK campaign.

Taking place on December 6, the grassroots, not-for-profit campaign celebrates small business success and encourages people to support and spend with small businesses.

The event at Westminster was hosted by Small Business Saturday, in partnership with the campaign’s founder and principal supporter, American Express. It was also attended by West Worthing MP Beccy Cooper and East Worthing & Shoreham MP Tom Rutland.

This comes as new joint research by Small Business Saturday UK and American Express shows that ‘small businesses are the nation’s favourites’. More than half of Brits (58 per cent ) say they have a favourite small business and 95 per cent of people believe small businesses add value to local areas.

Michelle Ovens CBE, director of Small Business Saturday UK, said: “Small businesses like Chintz and Wood 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.”

MP Blair McDougall is the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade).

He 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, Chintz and Wood will be celebrating the campaign by holding a live wooden Christmas Tree making session outside the shop.

Jubal setting up a lathe on the patio of The Old Bike Store pub on Saturday (December 6) from 11am until 1pm – individually turning small wooden Christmas trees made from local wood. The Old Bike Store has been serving mulled cider and seasonal beers.

Jubal said: “It’s lovely to be part of a community of small businesses all over the country who are working hard to keep creativity and craft alive, and to show how important independent shops are to our local high streets.”

Chintz and Wood will also be joining other local businesses in East Worthing on December 11 for late-night shopping from 5 to 7pm.