Little Bee Soap makes finalist shortlist at UK small business awards
Little Bee Soap Co, a traditional Victorian soapery based in Southsea, has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Home Business of the Year category at The UK Small Business Awards.
Founded by Southsea entrepreneur Emma, Little Bee Soap Co creates small-batch artisan soaps with sustainability and traditional soapmaking at the heart of the business. Inspired by Portsmouth’s heritage, the soapery has developed locally inspired products celebrating places and stories including Southsea, Spice Island and the city’s iconic waterfront.
The recognition celebrates Little Bee Soap Co’s commitment to creating high-quality, traditionally handmade soaps and bath products while building a sustainable, ethical business rooted in its local community.
Speaking on the awards, a spokesperson for The UK Small Business Awards said:
“The standard of entries this year has been incredibly high. Each finalist has demonstrated an exceptional level of dedication and achievement, representing the very best of UK small businesses.”
As a finalist, Little Bee Soap Co stands among some of the most accomplished small businesses in the UK, recognised for its performance, innovation and continued commitment to excellence.
“We are incredibly honoured and proud to be recognised as a finalist at The UK Small Business Awards,” said Emma, Founder of Little Bee Soap Co. What makes this recognition particularly special is knowing where Little Bee Soap Co started. I built the business from home around raising my four children, and what began as a small handmade soap business has grown into something I could never have imagined.
Little Bee Soap Co is about proving that a small, independent business can create beautiful products while still putting sustainability, traditional craftsmanship, community and kindness at the centre of everything it does.
“To have a business born here in Southsea recognised on a national stage is an incredibly proud moment. I hope our story shows other small business owners that you don’t have to be the biggest business in the room to make an impact.”
The UK Small Business Awards will take place on 19 December 2026 in Birmingham. The National Top 10 are revealed live on stage and live-streamed worldwide for those unable to attend.