'It's a real honour': Sunderland company shortlisted for national business award
A Sunderland business has been recognised for its excellence after it was named a finalist in the 2026 Small Business Awards.
Harrison & Brown Furniture, in Holmeside, Sunderland, has been shortlisted in the Best Small Business category at the 2026 Small Business Awards.
The annual awards celebrate the achievements of businesses and entrepreneurs across the UK , with the final taking place in Birmingham on Saturday, December 19.
Mandy Brown, owner of Harrison & Brown Furniture, said: “It's a real honour and something we're incredibly proud of.
“As a small independent business, we're always focused on serving customers and keeping everything running day-to-day, so to be recognised nationally like this is a lovely surprise.
“It means a lot to me and the whole team.”
The team at Harrison & Brown did not expect to be recognised on a national scale.
Mandy said: “We entered because we were proud of what we've built and thought it was worth putting ourselves forward but I never expected to become a finalist.
“There are so many fantastic small businesses out there so it was a genuine surprise and a very proud moment when we found out.”
Mandy told the Echo how running a small business can be “incredibly rewarding” but is not without its challenges.
She said: “Running a small business is incredibly rewarding but it can also be stressful and challenging.
“Its like being a juggler at times - one minute you're helping customers the next you're dealing with deliveries, marketing, staffing or accounts.
“You wear a lot of hats.
“There are always challenges when you're running a small business.
“Costs keep rising and people are naturally taking a bit longer to make decisions but we've got some wonderful customers who continue to support us and that's what keeps us going.
“That's something we're incredibly grateful for.”
Awards like this are “really important” as they help “shine a light on small independent businesses and the team behind them”.
Mandy said: “I think awards like these are really important because they shine a light on small independent businesses and the team behind them.
“Small businesses work hard to support their local communities, create jobs and provide personal service that you don't always find elsewhere.
“It's wonderful to see that recognised and celebrated.”