01 Dec 2023
A St Albans business recognised alongside the UK’s most impressive firms is calling on residents to shop local and support Small Business Saturday.
Alex and Gavin Bray of Heartwood Glass were named among the nation’s 100 most impressive small business leaders at a reception at the House of Lords this week.
Their company is on this year’s SmallBiz100 line-up, which comprises of 100 inspiring small businesses selected from thousands across the country.
The reception at the House of Lords kickstarted celebrations ahead of Small Business Saturday on December 2, which drives home the ‘Shop Local’ message and celebrates the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses.
Heartwood Glass design and create their glass decorations, giftware and commissions from their studio in St Albans as well as hosting ‘on-location’ workshops at schools, corporates and community groups across Hertfordshire and beyond.
The business was praised for their inspired range of giftware products and their bespoke commissions which range from large garden glass and wood sculptures to kitchen splash backs and wall art. But beyond its product range, the business was recognised for its caring nature and their focus on sustainability and a strong sense of community.
Alex said:“We are incredibly proud to be a part of this year’s SmallBiz100 line-up, which showcases the most inspiring independent businesses from across the nation.
“It’s an honour to be recognised and it wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing support from our friends, customers, and local community.
“We’ve put a lot of hard work into developing and growing our glass business in recent years, from selling our glass art to creating our ‘have a go’ glass art workshops for all ages from five to 102, which are adapted for any special needs to ensure they are inclusive for all. To be recognised for our achievements and celebrated at a national scale is brilliant and encourages us to push ourselves even further.
Heartwood Glass was born from a desire for Alex to find a creative outlet to improve her own mental health and do something completely different to her high-pressure corporate job.
In partnership with her husband, Gavin, and with the help of their two teenage sons, the business launched in 2017 and has gone from strength to strength.
To celebrate being part of the SmallBiz100, Heartwood Glass have launched the St Albans Collection, combing photography, screen printing and glass fusing skills to create striking pieces featuring the Cathedral, Town Hall and the Clock Tower.
Fifteen per cent of sales from the St Albans Collection go to supporting their charity partner Youth Talk to help local young people have someone to talk to when times are tough.
Youth Talk chief executive David Barker said: “We are truly delighted to be benefitting from the tremendous talent and creativity of the team at Heartwood Glass. Every piece bought from their amazing St Albans Collection will not only be brightening up a home – but crucially it will be helping us to support a local young person struggling with their mental health and emotional wellbeing – thank you!”
Alex added: “Small Business Saturday is this weekend! St Albans and the surrounding local communities are packed with inspired artisan businesses so please shop local and support your amazing local high street, because we offer you products that are truly made locally that you simply can’t find online. The best time to support small businesses is always today.”
