News / dolly shop
Soft toy company gets surprise visit from cricket stars
It is not often that you have sports stars walk through your front door.
But that was exactly what happened to Samantha Shaw on Monday morning.
Shaw was greeted by England women’s cricket players Tammy Beaumont and Sophia Dunkley who came with a cheque worth £5,000.
Shaw had entered the Sage Small Business XI competition, launched by England cricket star Stuart Broad who himself is a small business owner.
She was one of ten successful applicants who each won a share of £50,000 to take their businesses to the next level.
Former England fast bowler and Sage ambassador Stuart Broad launched the Sage Small Business XI competition this year – photo: Sage
Shaw is the founder of Dolly Shop, a soft toy manufacturer that specialises in handcrafted dolls and dolls’ clothing.
The St Paul’s-based company takes pride in using sustainable materials in their operations and training the next generation of toy makers with their internship scheme.
Shaw said it was a “great honour” to win the business grant from Sage, in partnership with the popular cricket tournament, The Hundred.
Sage, an accounting, financial, HR and payroll service for small and mid-sized businesses is the official insights partner of The Hundred tournament.
Samantha Shaw is the founder of Dolly Shop, a soft toy manufacturer that specialises in handcrafted dolls and dolls’ clothing – photo: Wasserman
Shaw said: “Being recognised by Sage in this competition is a great honour, especially during our growth phase.
“We are committed to shaping the future of business by prioritising employee satisfaction and creating a safe work environment.
“This investment will go a long way in helping us grow, developing our marketing strategy, and continuing to support junior members of our workforce in their development.”
Stuart Broad said: “I’m so pleased these small businesses have been rewarded for their hard work through the Small Business XI competition.
“As a small business owner myself, I know how important small businesses are for building local communities and appreciate the determination it takes to navigate the challenges they face, particularly in the current economic climate.
“I’m excited to hear more about the stories of each of the Sage Small Business XI winners at the conclusion of The Hundred in August.”
On Monday, Samantha Shaw had a surprise visit from England and Welsh Fire cricket stars Tammy Beaumont and Sophia Dunkley – photo: Wasserman
Shaw, alongside nine other successful applicants, has also been invited to the final of The Hundred at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Sunday, August 18 and has been gifted a travel allowance of £400 towards it.
Cath Keers, chief marketing officer at Sage added: “We are extremely pleased to announce Dolly Shop as one of our ten winners of the Sage Small Business XI competition.
“Championing small businesses is a huge priority for Sage and we are excited to see the impact this will have for Samantha and the outstanding work Dolly Shop does in their local community.”
Main photo: Wasserman
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