A Southport business was honoured last week at a special House of Lords reception and was invited to Downing Street to meet the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves.
The Duffey family, owners of Sunnyside Guest House, were among a hundred small businesses at the Westminster event as part of this year’s SmallBiz100. It was just ahead of ‘Small Business Saturday’ over the weekend, which celebrates and encourages people to support and spend money with small businesses. There are 5.6 million small businesses in Britain, and earlier this year Sunnyside Guest House won Best B&B and Most Sustainable Tourism Business at the local tourism awards and then went on to win nationally at the VisitEngland awards.
-
- Anthony Duffey outside the House of Lords 02nd December 2025
-
- Anthony and Larissa House of Lords 02nd December 2025
-
- Anthony and Larissa House of Lords 02nd December 2025
Sunnyside Guest House’s Anthony Duffey said:
“It’s been an extraordinary year for our small business. We’ve been fortunate to receive significant recognition and 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.”
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. We encourage everyone to support their favourite independents, on the day and beyond.”
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.”
For more information on Sunnside Guest House, click HERE.
Top image: l-r Sunnyside Guest House’s Anthony Duffy meets Chancellor Rachel Reeves.