Redruth’s Flotsam Flo Recognised as One of the UK’s 100 Most Impressive Small Businesses

Flotsam Flo, a small business based in Redruth, Cornwall, has been recognised as one of the UK’s most impressive small firms by the Small Business Saturday UK campaign. Founded in 2021 by Kate Doran, the brand transforms hard-to-recycle plastic waste into unique, handmade bags and accessories, earning a spot on this year’s SmallBiz100 list.

Sustainability and Creativity at the Core

Kate’s journey to founding Flotsam Flo began after a life-changing brain haemorrhage in 2019. Drawing inspiration from her Granny Florence’s “make-do-and-mend” ethos, she channels her creativity into reusing materials that are typically difficult to recycle. The business repurposes items such as broken wetsuits, inflatables, life jackets, and redundant marketing banners into vibrant, one-of-a-kind products. Each piece is handmade in Cornwall, reflecting Kate’s commitment to reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly living.

Flotsam Flo is more than just a brand. It’s a movement towards sustainable practices, demonstrating how creativity can be used to tackle environmental issues. Kate also runs workshops and gives talks to raise awareness about plastic pollution, inspiring others to see the potential in discarded materials.

Community Engagement and Charity Support

Supporting local charities is a fundamental part of Flotsam Flo’s mission. Kate’s dedication to her community is evident through the business’s involvement in charitable projects and educational initiatives. By hosting workshops in Redruth, she provides hands-on experience in upcycling, helping to spread knowledge about sustainable practices and the importance of reusing materials.

A National Recognition

Being selected as part of the SmallBiz100 line-up is a significant achievement for Kate. The Small Business Saturday UK campaign, now in its 11th year, is the country’s most successful small business initiative. It encourages people to ‘shop local’ and support independent businesses, with this year’s event scheduled for 7th December.

The campaign will profile Flotsam Flo on 20th September as part of the 100-day countdown to Small Business Saturday, highlighting its innovative approach to sustainability and community support.

Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK, praised the inclusion of Flotsam Flo, saying, “This year’s SmallBiz100 list shows the huge contribution small businesses make to their communities and the wider UK economy.” Despite recent economic challenges, small businesses like Flotsam Flo continue to thrive and make a positive impact.

Small Business Saturday

The Small Business Saturday UK campaign has been running since 2013, reaching millions of people and encouraging support for the country’s 5.5 million small businesses. The grassroots, non-commercial initiative was originally founded by American Express in the United States and remains supported by the brand in the UK.

For more information on how to get involved in Small Business Saturday and support businesses like Flotsam Flo, visit Small Business Saturday UK.

Flotsam Flo’s recognition is a testament to the power of resilience and innovation. From a personal struggle to a flourishing business, Kate’s story inspires others to see the beauty in sustainability and the impact small businesses can have on their communities.