A Stoke Newington social enterprise that only employs people with learning disabilities has been nominated for a nationwide independent business award.
Revere the Residence, which among other products sells arts and crafts made in-house by people with learning disabilities, is one of 10 shops nominated for the award. The winner of the Holly and Co’s ‘Small Business of the Year Award’ will receive the top prize of £10,000.
Kate Revere, who opened the shop in June 2021, said that she received a surprise email from Holly and Co founder, Holly Tucker MBE, to let her know that her shop had made the final 10.
“I have no idea who nominated me,” Revere said. “That’s really lovely that someone has taken the time to do that.”
Revere said that her business could “really do with the £10,000 prize”.
“Raising the profile of the shop itself is great but the 10 grand prize would be a lifeline,” she said.
The money would be invested into the shop’s community art projects.
“Some people don’t want to work in the shop but just want to come and do art,” Kate said. “They all love to draw – some draw really slowly and in detail and some very rapidly.”
The shop is expanding its range of products and its pool of artists and employees but additional funds would accelerate this process.
“I’ve got seven people starting this week and they all need to be paid to do their artwork,” she said. “[If we won the prize] we could bring in seven a day!”
“Only 5% of people with learning disabilities are in employment and that is shocking.”
Revere added that the shop is “very much a unique space” where people who are struggling mentally can come and talk about whatever is bothering them.
“I have someone crying in here every day and that’s why we’ve got the sofas so people can get that homely feel,” she said. “My door is always open to everyone.”
Revere is now hoping that the shop’s popularity in Stoke Newington will lead it to victory in Holly and Co’s Independent Awards.
“I’ve had over 400 messages from people saying they’re so pleased for us,” she said. “We now have to try and get as many votes as possible over the next few weeks.”
Voting is open online at https://holly.co/independent-awards-2022/small-business-of-the-year-award/
Voting closes on 6 December 2022 and the winner will be announced on Holly and Co’s Instagram on 8 December 2022.
