Lancaster yarn and stationery firm shortlisted for national business award

A Lancaster yarn and stationery firm has been shortlisted for a national award in recognition of the innovative ways they develop their business.

Ethel & Em, based on New Street, has been shortlisted in the category of Britain’s Best Small Bricks & Clicks Business at The Small Awards.

Now in its tenth year The Small Awards is a nationwide search for the UK’s greatest small firms, across all sectors. It is organised annually by Small Business Britain, which champions and supports the nation’s 5.5 million small firms.

Ethel & Em was founded by Melanie Shed McKay in February 2019 in Lancaster as an independent yarn shop. In 2025, following the closure of its sister business, Analog Shop, stationery became part of the offer, bringing yarn, stationery and making together. 

As a black female led business with close ties to Lancaster’s queer community, this inclusive, community-led space is so much more than a shop.

Ethel & Em has been selected as one of just eight finalists for the Bricks and Clicks Award for best multi-channel small business that recognises small businesses that use multiple channels innovatively to develop their business.

The Small Awards celebrate the successes of Britain’s small businesses, with eleven different awards for small firms leading the way across everything from sustainability to digital adoption and showcasing all types of small businesses including social enterprises, family-owned businesses, sole traders and start-ups.

Melanie said: “Ethel & Em opened its doors just a year before the pandemic and, like many small businesses since then, we’ve faced personal losses, rising costs and difficult decisions, including closing our sister business Analog Shop.

‘’We are still here because we have adapted at every stage. That journey has allowed us to build something meaningful in our in person and virtual communities, and being shortlisted for the Small Awards is wonderful recognition of that.” 

Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder of Small Business Britain said: “We are so proud to be celebrating a decade of the Small Awards.

‘’The awards celebrate the very best of the UK’s small business owners, who make such a difference in their local communities and are a key driver of the nation’s economic growth.

“The awards are a great opportunity to recognise the success and contributions of so many small businesses – Ethel & Em is extremely deserving of being a finalist, and we look forward to celebrating together in May.”

Judged by a panel of industry experts, the winners of all categories, including the overall winner of the Small Business of the Year award, will be announced at an awards ceremony in London on May 21.