Wow—what a whirlwind of a week it’s been… and honestly, I’m still pinching myself! I’ve just returned from the most surreal and empowering two days as part of something incredibly special—and I’m beyond honoured to finally share the details with you.
Earlier this year, I was contacted by Intuit, inviting me to join their first-ever UK Small Business Council—alongside 17 other incredible small business owners and founders from across the country. Naturally, I jumped at the opportunity. To even be considered was a huge honour… but to be chosen and given a seat at the table? Absolutely surreal.
A Voice for the Businesses That Matter Most
This isn’t just any council. It’s a real opportunity to bring the voices of small businesses directly to the people who make decisions—MPs, policy makers, government advisors, and more. For so long, it’s felt like the needs of small businesses are overshadowed by the bigger corporations. This initiative changes that.
It allows us—the people on the ground running small, independent brands—to directly share our challenges, our solutions, and our hopes for change. And it’s all thanks to Intuit, whose commitment to supporting small businesses genuinely shines through everything they do.
First Up: AI, Advocacy, and… Downing Street?!
The first day kicked off bright and early with an amazing breakfast meeting —we sat down with Secretary of State Jonathan Reynolds MP to discuss the future of AI in business.
I had the privilege of sharing how AI has personally transformed productivity in my business, especially when it comes to customer service and workflow automation. Others shared equally insightful stories about how tech is enabling small businesses to scale, compete, and serve their communities better than ever before. It was an open, powerful conversation—and one that I hope marks the start of a long-term dialogue.
Then came a moment I’ll never forget: a private tour of 10 Downing Street.
Yes, THE Number 10.
We had the chance to speak with the Prime Minister’s advisors directly—an incredible opportunity to share our thoughts with the very people shaping national business policy. We got to see the staircase filled with every single prime-minister's portrait past and present, we saw the olympic medals and the olympic torch, gifts sent to the prime-minister from other countries and the incredible decor designed by Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair, we then had a meeting in the exact room where the Covid briefings were held. Honestly? It was humbling, empowering, and slightly surreal all at once.
Part Two: Tackling Late Payments and Championing Women in Business
The next day began with an inspiring lunch at The Ivy alongside Small Business Commissioner Liz Barclay and Terry Corby CMgr CCMI, where we discussed one of the biggest issues small businesses are facing right now: late payments.
So many of us shared the reality of what it’s like waiting weeks (or even months) to be paid for our work. It’s not just frustrating—it directly impacts cash flow, mental health, and the ability to grow. We talked solutions, policy suggestions, and practical ways to hold companies more accountable. It was one of the most productive conversations I’ve ever been part of.
Later in the day, we sat down with policy makers (the people who actually write the policies) to continue the discussion and have an influence on the policies being written—and I truly felt like our voices were being heard.
We wrapped up the experience with an inspiring meeting with Samantha Niblett MP, diving into topics around equality, diversity, women in business, and representation in tech. This conversation particularly lit a fire in me—being a woman in business, and working in a creative and tech-integrated field, I know how important visibility and support are for future generations. I felt seen, empowered, and hopeful.
A Massive Thank You
Every detail of this trip was thoughtfully organised—from the sessions themselves to the way we were looked after. The level of care, professionalism, and genuine heart that Intuit QuickBooks and the entire team brought to the table was unmatched.
Special thanks to the amazing people behind the scenes making it all happen: Rob Burlison, Joel Gladwin, Nicole, Erik Rettig, AJ Brinnand, Leigh Thomas, Sasan Goodarzi, Michael Kennedy, Sukh Marbay, Mbessin Sonko, Jenna Spearman, Dan Alder-Lundmark, Ollie Stewart—and every other person who worked so hard to make this experience possible.
I also want to shout out my fellow council members—each and every one of you are an absolute powerhouse. Your knowledge, kindness, and realness made this experience so special, and I genuinely can’t wait to do it all again.
What This Means Moving Forward
Being part of this council isn’t just a personal milestone—it’s a turning point.
It’s a sign that small businesses matter. That our voices do count. And that we have the power to shape the future of business in the UK.
As I reflect on these two days, I’m filled with pride—not just for myself, but for every small business owner out there who’s ever felt unseen, unheard, or unsupported. This is a win for all of us.
With love and gratitude,
Emma x
Founder of Gemz By Emz