Julianne Ponan MBE, CEO of Surrey-based Creative Nature, was among an exclusive group of guests invited to 10 Downing Street for the annual switching on of the Christmas lights at the home of the UK Prime Minister. 

The entrepreneur is well known for her advocacy for the small business community and for those who live with allergies, and also sits on the government’s Small Business Council, advising ministers on the SME sector.

She said: “Running an SME and being the girl who started from her kitchen table creating top 14 allergen-free recipes, I have to pinch myself to think we are now making real change for those with allergies when flying, baking, snacking and more! It’s been a journey powered by passion, resilience, and a mission to make life safer and tastier for people with allergies.

“It’s an honour to be recognised, included and asked by this government – and the previous government – to share my views and to advocate for our very precious small business sector.”

She was invited to the event (last week) alongside other business leaders, including Tina Mackenzie MBE, who is a former politician and works with the FSB (Federation of Small Businesses). The lights were switched on by teenager Samuel Salamone, who is known for volunteering particularly around litter-picking and represents the government’s Pride of Place initiative.

For more information visit Creative Nature.