An independent skincare brand based in Newcastle has been named among the country’s top 100 small businesses.
Pamoja, which creates natural skincare designed to support women through hormonal skin changes, was founded by Sarah Taylor in 2019. It has been selected as one of 100 businesses around the country to be featured in the SmallBiz100 line-up published in the run-up to Small Business Saturday on December 6.
The event encourages people to support all types of small businesses, from independent shops and restaurants to small service businesses like plumbers and accountants. Over the last decade, the event has won broad political support and last year more than 90% of local councils backed the campaign.
Sarah Taylor said: “I’m incredibly proud that Pamoja has been recognised as part of the SmallBiz100. To represent Tyne and Wear, and to be one of only four businesses from the North East, is such an honour.
“I started Pamoja to help women feel confident in their skin through life’s changes, and to be celebrated alongside other inspiring small businesses is a huge milestone. I hope this recognition encourages more people to support independents and inspires other midlife women, women of colour and solo founders to follow their dreams too.â€
Pamoja will be profiled by the campaign on October 17 as part of the 100-day countdown to Small Business Saturday º£½ÇÊÓƵ on December 6. Other North East businesses included in the SmallBiz100 list are Middlesbrough digital agency Like Us; and WartersCo, operators of the Majestic Theatre in Darlington.
Michelle Ovens, director of Small Business Saturday º£½ÇÊÓƵ, said: “Small businesses are the nation’s favourite businesses – bringing immeasurable value to our local communities and powering the wider economy.
“Firms like Pamoja in this year’s SmallBiz100 represent some of the º£½ÇÊÓƵ’s most-loved small businesses. It is so important that we encourage public support for small businesses up and down the country, as many are still facing a host of challenges as they enter this critical final stretch of the year.â€
Small Business Saturday was originally founded by American Express in the US, with the credit card firm remaining the campaign’s principal supporter in the º£½ÇÊÓƵ.
Dan Edelman, general manager, º£½ÇÊÓƵ Merchant Services at American Express, said: “Through our long-standing support of Small Business Saturday, American Express is proud to champion the nation’s small businesses. Congratulations to this year’s SmallBiz100, which once again showcases the incredible vibrancy and innovation of small firms and the valuable contribution they make to local communities.â€
