Earlier this month, my little business, The Frog in the Craft, was awarded Creative Business of the Year Award 2025–26. This was part of Michelle Welsh MP’s Sherwood Forest Small Business Awards. I’m still a little bit chuffed writing those words.
What are the Sherwood Forest Small Business Awards?
The awards were launched back in December, during Small Business Saturday, to recognise local businesses across a few different categories. People were invited to nominate their favourite small businesses in the area – from creative and retail businesses to food, sustainability and community-focused organisations.
A quick note on Small Business Saturday
If you’re not familiar with it, Small Business Saturday is a UK-wide campaign organised by Small Business Britain which takes place each December to encourage people to support independent businesses in their local area. It’s about celebrating the small shops, makers, creatives and service providers that help keep our high streets and communities alive. I’ve always loved the spirit of it, with small businesses supporting each other, and customers choosing to shop local when they can.
I didn’t really campaign for votes
I’ll be honest: I mentioned it to a few people, but I didn’t really “campaign” for votes. It’s just not very me. I was happy to let people know about the awards, and if they felt like nominating me, that was lovely. In all honesty, I didn’t expect much to come of it.
So when the winners were announced, it genuinely came as a surprise.
Receiving the award in Hucknall
I received my award in person from Michelle Welsh MP at Keycraft Garden Buildings in Hucknall. This is where I regularly run in-person workshops in their lovely tearoom. As I mostly work from home and online, it felt right to meet somewhere that represents the local, in-person side of what I do. It’s a place where people come together to sit around a table, learn something new, and enjoy a bit of creative time.
Why this award means so much
What has meant the most to me about this award is that the nominations came from local residents and from my customers. Running a small, creative business can be quietly demanding at times. A lot of the work happens behind the scenes. It’s easy to wonder whether what you’re doing really makes a difference to anyone else. This kind of community recognition is a real boost. And I don’t mean this just for the business, but for me personally too. It’s given me a welcome lift in confidence and motivation for the year ahead.
A shared moment
I also want to say a big well done to all the other brilliant local winners. Small businesses really are the backbone of our communities. It was lovely to see such a wide range of businesses being recognised.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to everyone who took the time to nominate The Frog in the Craft. Also thank you to those who have come along to workshops, ordered kits, shared kind words, or supported what I do in quieter ways. This award really does feel like a shared moment, and I’m very grateful.
Merci beaucoup 💚
Sandrine
