DUNFERMLINE SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTED AT HOUSE OF LORDS
Local firm celebrated at event for the nation’s favourite businesses ahead of Small Business Saturday
TUESDAY 2ND DECEMBER 2025: Temitope Ajayi-Salami, founder of AYT Foods joined a special reception hosted for hundreds of small businesses at the House of Lords on Tuesday, in the lead-up to Small Business Saturday this weekend.
Taking place on 6th December, the campaign celebrates small business success and encourages people to support and spend with small businesses.
Hosted by Small Business Saturday, in partnership with the campaign’s founder and principal supporter American Express, the event in Westminster spotlighted AYT Foods as part of this year’s SmallBiz100.
The SmallBiz100 is a line-up of 100 brilliant small businesses from all over the country, which are being highlighted as part of the Small Business Saturday UK campaign.
This comes as new joint research by Small Business Saturday UK and American Express shows that small businesses are the nation’s favourites. Over half of Brits (58%) say they have a favourite small business and 95% of people believe small businesses add value to local areas.
The event at the House of Lords kicks off a week of celebrations ahead of Small Business Saturday, as it marks the contribution of the nation’s 5.6 million small businesses to communities, the local economy and the whole of the UK.
AYT Foods was featured in recognition of their inspiring entrepreneurial journey, which has seen them grow from a small community-focused grocery store into an award-winning African and Caribbean food brand serving thousands of families across Scotland. The business has expanded its retail offering, launched impactful community initiatives through TMAS Community CIC, and earned multiple national accolades including the UK StartUp Awards, Small Business Awards and the Prestige Awards.
Temitope Ajayi-Salami said, “Being recognised in this way is truly humbling. AYT Foods was built on faith, determination, and a genuine desire to serve our community. Every milestone is a reminder that our story matters, and that our culture and flavours deserve a place on every table. This recognition encourages us to keep pushing boundaries and keep representing our community with pride.”
Small business owners from across the UK and MPs from across the political spectrum came together at the reception with the Small Business Minister, Blair McDougall MP, speaking at the event, and many other MPs meeting entrepreneurs in their constituencies.
Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK, said: “Small businesses like AYT Foods create incredible value in their communities and as the research shows are among the nation’s favourites. We are so glad to have celebrated them at the House of Lords this week.
“It is so important we get behind our small businesses – public support for entrepreneurs can make all the difference. This Small Business Saturday, we encourage everyone to support their favourite independents, on the day and beyond.”
A grassroots, not-for-profit campaign, Small Business Saturday was originally founded by American Express in the U.S. in 2010. American Express remains the principal supporter of the campaign in the UK, as part of its ongoing support of the UK high street and commitment to encouraging consumers to shop small.
On Small Business Saturday, customers across the UK go out and support all types of small businesses, online, in offices and in stores; from independent shops and restaurants to small service and b2b businesses like accountants and plumbers.
Many small businesses celebrate the day by hosting events, offering promotions, and collaborating with other small businesses.
Blair McDougall, Minister for Small Business, said: “Small businesses are key to our growth mission – creating jobs, strengthening our communities – which is why I am so pleased to be celebrating their incredible contribution this Small Business Saturday.
“This Government is backing SMEs with our landmark Plan for Small Business, and I urge the public to do the same by visiting their favourite local shops this weekend.”
This weekend AYT Foods will be celebrating the campaign by engaging customers with a special Spin the Wheel experience in-store as part of their second-year anniversary, giving customers the chance to win exciting rewards while enjoying the festive atmosphere. The celebration will also include a first look into the brand’s next chapter, as AYT Foods prepares to open a new African and Caribbean restaurant in Dunfermline. The public is encouraged to join in, support the anniversary activities, and be part of this exciting milestone in the AYT journey.
Small Business Saturday is the UK’s most successful business campaign, engaging millions around the country on the value of small businesses and seeing billions of pounds spent with small firms over the decade it has been running.
Dan Edelman, General Manager, UK Merchant Services, American Express, said: “Behind every small business is a person — a dreamer, a doer, and someone devoted to serving their community. This research shows how much the public values these individuals and Amex is proud to back them as principal supporter of Small Business Saturday.”
Notes to Editors
Images and interviews are available on request
[1] Based on a survey of 1,000 UK representative adults, run in summer 2025.
Media Contact
Please contact
●Info@aytfoods.com
●smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com
About Small Business Saturday UK
Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which celebrates small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and to support businesses in their communities.
Launched in 2013, the day itself takes place on the first Saturday in December each year, but has an impact that lasts all year round.
This year Small Business Saturday takes place on 6 December 2025.
Follow the campaign via #SmallBizSatUK @SmallBizSatUK
About American Express
American Express is a globally integrated payments company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us onfacebook.com/americanexpress,instagram.com/americanexpress,linkedin.com/company/american-express,twitter.com/americanexpress, andyoutube.com/americanexpress.
Key links to products, services and corporate responsibility information: personal cards, business cards and services, travel services, gift cards, prepaid cards, merchant services, Accertify, Kabbage, Resy, corporate card, business travel, diversity and inclusion, corporate responsibility and Environmental, Social, and Governance reports
https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com
About AYT Foods
AYT Foods Ltd is Fife’s first African-Caribbean grocery store, founded in Dunfermline by Temitope Ajayi-Salami. Established to make authentic African and Caribbean foods accessible to families across the country, AYT Foods offers a wide range of groceries, fresh produce, spices, and cultural essentials. Beyond retail, the business also drives community impact through TMAS Community CIC, supporting food security, cultural education, and outreach programmes. AYT Foods is a multi-award-winning brand recognized nationally for excellence, innovation, and community engagement.
Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @aytfoods and shop from us at www.aytfoods.com
