A Wiltshire business started by two lifelong friends has been named as one of the UK’s most impressive independent firms.
House of Amitié, located on Greenfield Road in Devizes, has been included in the 2024 Small Biz 100 line-up.
The list is released each year to showcase some of the nation’s most impressive small firms as part of the countdown to Small Business Saturday on December 7.
House of Amitié is a premium interior décor brand that was established by best friends Jemma Lewis and Angela Bush in 2022.
The pair are celebrating their “fantastic achievement” and will be showcased by the campaign on Friday, October 4.
READ MORE: Award-winning independent salon moving to bigger town centre premises
They said: “We are thrilled to share that House of Amitié has been chosen as one of the 100 Small Businesses for Small Biz 100 2024.
“We could not be happier to be among such a talented bunch of businesses.
“We're really proud of this fantastic achievement and look forward to sharing more news of the campaign.
“Thank you so much to Small Business Saturday for this wonderful opportunity.”
Jemma and Angela say House of Amitié has placed friendship at “the heart of the business” since the two childhood friends decided to work together.
The business focuses on the craft of paper marbling with the designs starting in Jemma’s workshop before being transformed into digitally printed fabrics, wallpapers, cushions, lampshades, and other homeware products.
The duo says they have tried to maintain a “craft with conscience” by focusing on a sustainable approach and sourcing materials locally.
Small Business Saturday has been running for over a decade and celebrates independents across the country while encouraging customers to shop locally.
The campaign urged people across the UK to head out and support everything from independent shops and restaurants to local plumbers and accountants.
“It’s great to celebrate House of Amitié as part of this year’s campaign,” said director Michelle Ovens CBE.
“This year’s Small Biz 100 list shows the huge contribution small businesses make to their communities and the wider UK economy.
“Despite the economy turning a corner, the nation’s small businesses continue to feel the fallout of a challenging few years and still need significant support to get back on their feet.
“Small Business Saturday is all about getting the nation to come out in force and show its love for our local businesses.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here