A SMALL business owner from North Yorkshire was one of 100 from around the country invited to Downing Street for a reception to mark the UK’s fourth annual Small Business Saturday.

Emma Woods, of Duncombe Sawmill in Helmsley, joined other owners at a reception at No 10 Downing Street.

She said: “It was fascinating to see inside No 10, and a great opportunity to speak to some fantastic supporters of small business.

“All the team at Duncombe Sawmill are really thrilled to be part of Small Business Saturday this year and one of the 100 chosen businesses. It is such a great campaign to promote small businesses throughout the country and something that Helmsley has been actively supporting for the last four years.”

“Small Business Saturday has become an exceptional example of collaboration and co-operation with small businesses teaming up in communities around the UK,” said campaign director Michelle Ovens.

“We aim to showcase the level of diversity, innovation and talent that is active within our small business sector and persuading people to get out and support their friends, neighbours and family members and reinforce local communities and economies.”

Prime Minister Theresa May said: “Small Business Saturday is an opportunity for us to celebrate the success of the UK’s 5.4 million small businesses - from family-run restaurants, to innovative tech start-ups to local corner shops.”