Castleford businesswoman welcomed by Yvette Cooper MP to special Westminster reception for UK’s top small businesses
A Castleford businesswoman was welcomed by Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley MP Yvette Cooper to a special reception at Westminster in December, celebrating the UK’s top small businesses.
Donna Wilson, owner of the Forever After Collective on Carlton Street, was invited to the reception after being selected for the SmallBiz100 – a line-up of 100 inspiring small businesses across the UK – earlier this year.
Forever After Collective sells handmade jewellery, candles, bath bombs, self-care products, bags, and more, from more than 50 small businesses, and also hosts craft workshops.
The reception – attended by others featured in the SmallBiz100 – also took place in the run-up to Small Business Saturday, which launched in 2013 and takes place on the first Saturday in December each year.
Donna said: “Representing our little shop in Castleford at The House of Lords and Downing Street for the Top 100 Small Biz Saturday truly felt like a dream.
“What an honour to stand alongside so many incredible businesses who are all doing amazing things in 2025. I’m still buzzing from the conversations, the inspiration, and the reminder of why we all do what we do.”
Local MP Yvette Cooper met up with Donna at the reception to discuss the importance of local business on high streets.
Yvette said: “Forever After Collective is fantastic local business, which has become a real favourite here in Castleford with everything from local craft jewellery to Castleford picture tea towels, I’ve already been in a few times for Christmas presents and stocking fillers this year.
“I am so pleased that Donna’s hard work has been recognised in this way, and was glad to chat to her in Parliament about how we can continue to support businesses like hers.”
Donna’s business began during lockdown, when she sold bath bombs from her home in Pontefract through Facebook and her website.
From there, she rented a cabinet in a shared space before opening the first Forever After in Pontefract, and then moving to her shop in Castleford.
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