Honestly, I'm still bouncing off the walls!Â
I am absolutely thrilled, humbled and frankly, completely giddy, I cannot believe Fillarup has been officially shortlisted as a Finalist in the prestigious Best Small Business category at the UK Small Business Awards (UKSBA)!
From my Little Car to Big Recognition
I have been a customer of Fillarup since it's very beginning, and when I, Jo Walker, bought Fillarup and took over from the wonderful Sam, the mission was simple: make saying "NO" to single-use plastic easier than saying "yes" to another trip to the big store. I wanted to prove that convenience and consciousness could ride together! This just proves it ABSOLUTELY CAN!
This just goes to show that my little mobile model is successfully challenging the "throwaway culture" by making plastic-free and zero-waste shopping effortless and accessible right here in our amazing local community.
This Isn't Just My Win—It's Ours, Together!
Even though I work on my own and I wear all of the hats. This 100% feels like a team victory, that's because it absolutely is!
As I said to some of the press (and I mean every word!):
"I am absolutely thrilled and honoured to be named a Finalist by the UK Small Business Awards. This recognition is validation that the future of retail is refillable and LOCAL. Fillarup's success is truly a testament to the incredible, loyal, customers who choose to ditch the plastic and embrace the refill revolution every single week. This achievement fuels my passion and commitment to making zero-waste living effortless and accessible to everyone in my serviceable area.”
To every single one of you who meets me at your door in Middlewich, Sandbach, Northwich, Congleton or Knutsford with your empty bottles: THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! You are the heart and soul of the #Refillution/#RefillRevolution. You are why I’ve helped hundreds of people reduce their single-use plastic consumption annually! The planet is happy dancing because of all of us collectively! Let us all pat ourselves on the back!
The UKSBA Mission
I love that the UKSBA celebrates the entire process—not just the winners. They are all about supporting small businesses and breaking down barriers, regardless of size or status. I am so proud to be part of a competition that champions amazing talent and the entrepreneurial journey!
How I see it, Fillarup has already won just by being here and I can’t wait to cheer on all the other talented businesses!
What Happens Next? The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony on 13th December 2025. Eeeek, wish me and all of the other contestants luck!
In the meantime, let's keep refilling!
P.S. To learn more about the amazing work the UK Small Business Awards are doing, click here.