Invited to Number 11: Project Harmless Among UK's Most Inspiring Businesses
Last week, Project Harmless were honoured to be invited to Number 11 Downing Street, the historic residence of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, as one of the UK’s Most Inspiring Small Businesses as selected by Small Business Saturday.
For us, it was a meaningful moment, a chance to reflect on how far the journey has come since we launched a few years ago.
Before the Gate
At the Downing Street gates, the officer on duty checked the list, looked at our ID, and waved us through. Then came the security booth and metal detectors to ensure the safety of everyone.
Once past that, we were able to take some outside photos of the famous door, with our newly launched festive edition soap, of course!
Inside Number 11
Immediately, we were asked to leave our phones switched off and place in storage. From there, we were guided into a large meeting room to meet with the Chancellor and other founders.
When Project Harmless started in 2021, it was simply an attempt to make everyday products kinder to the planet. We launched with an innovative water-reactive dog waste bag, because we believed such everyday mass single use items shouldn’t be harming the planet.
Since then, the mission has grown:
Small batch handmade premium skincare without palm oil or harmful ingredients
It hasn’t been fast. It hasn’t been easy. It has been a slow, learning-filled journey, with challenges at every stage, whilst staying true to our values in a world full of shortcuts.
So being invited to Downing Street, recognised by the Chancellor as one of the UK’s most inspiring small businesses, means a great deal to a Scottish startup.
We also took the opportunity to gift our festive soap to the Chancellor as a thank you for the invitation.
Looking Forward
Thank you to Small Business Saturday for shining a light on UK businesses that choose to do things the right way, even when it’s harder. And thank you to everyone who has supported Project Harmless so far, including our customers, partners, stockists, and the people who believe in our mission.
We’re proud of how far we’ve come, and can't wait to share with you the exciting things we are working on for 2026.
