Mocha at Number 10

In the middle of November I was amazed to find an email from Number 10 drop into my inbox asking if Mocha would like to attend a Christmas street fair event at Downing Street in less than 2 weeks.  Durrrr – of course!

Taking my shop managers Ness and Becca along we caught an early train from Darlington and arrived in a freezing cold London, laden down with chocolates, posters and more than a few spigs of holly.

After going through security and checking in we were left to set up our stand whilst 14 other small businesses did the same.  Companies that were familiar to us – Fevertree, Joe & Seph’s Popcorn and our nearby neighbours Yorkshire Roast and The Spirit of Yorkshire were all on a high as we had our photographs taken in front of the famous black door.

Of course we took the opportunity to go to the bathroom(!) and to our amazement spied Larry the Cat curled up on the window sill.

As Ness and Becca finished setting up our stall, I was invited to attend a Roundtable discussion with Minister Kevin Hollinrake, Under Secretary of State for Enterprise and Markets to discuss the main barriers businesses like Mocha face and how the Government could further facilitate growth.

A walk through Number 10 was a pinch me moment – along many corridors and upstairs to an opulent meeting room with my name and business on a place card on a massive long table where representatives of all the invited businesses took their seats for an open discussion on the challenges small businesses face today.  I must admit that I shared a few of my frustrations!

Then it was time to return to our stall to promote Yorkshire, Richmond and Mocha!

The Prime Minister and his wife switched on the Christmas tree lights then had a walkabout to visit all the stalls.

We were delighted to have a chat and they were both keen to try a chocolate or two – even admitting they usually have a box of our chocolates at home!

After chatting with other members of Parliament, business leaders and invited guests we ran for our train back home.

What an amazing experience – a once in a lifetime opportunity to speak directly to the people who make policy and feel that we have been listened to.  Maybe I’ll sell a few boxes of chocolates too!