Natasha Ray, Co-founder, &Keep: "I am absolutely elated to receive this accolade."
Published: January 15, 2021 | Updated: 16th January 2021
A champion of a sustainable and plastic free planet says she’s “absolutely elated” after being named as one of the UK’s 100 most inspirational entrepreneurs.
Natasha Ray was recognised for making a powerful contribution to society, the economy and communities.
She co-founded the online store &Keep with her husband in 2017 to show that there are eco-friendly, sustainable and reusable alternatives to plastic for everyday items.
Natasha, who describes herself as an “awareness-raising planet-hugger”, received her latest accolade from Small Business Britain’s f:Entrepreneur ‘#ialso100’ campaign.
Also in its fourth year, f:Entrepreneur was launched to showcase female entrepreneurs leading small businesses while juggling other responsibilities.
They include campaigning, volunteering, mentoring, community support, running a household and raising children.
Natasha is showcased with 100 female entrepreneurs from across the UK, as part of the campaign’s recognition of the multi-achievements of women that have proved critical to society during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The 44-year-old mother of two was commended for her dedication in raising awareness of the planetary environmental crisis.
She is a public speaker on plastic pollution, a Keep Britain Tidy #LitterHeroes Ambassador, and an Eco Schools Green Flag Assessor – all roles undertaken voluntarily.
Natasha. who lives in Broadstone, said: “I am absolutely elated to receive this accolade.
“Not only to be recognised for the passion I have for protecting the environment and educating others in ‘Creating a better Tomorrow, Today’, but to be acknowledged as a leading female entrepreneur who wears a hundred different hats in her #ialso life.”
Both f:Entrepreneur and Small Business Britain were founded by Michelle Ovens CBE, who is also the director of Small Business Saturday UK.
This year’s campaign celebrates inspiring and resilient female entrepreneurs that have flourished despite Covid-19, with many still growing or starting new ventures.
They range from beekeepers to PPE providers and tech entrepreneurs to planet-protectors such as Natasha.
Michelle, pictured right, said: “Congratulations to all the inspiring women chosen to join this year’s #ialso100.
“Despite the significant obstacles thrown at them in the last year, female entrepreneurship continues to grow and flourish.
“We need to continue, and increase, our support for these incredible women and celebrate their amazing strength and success in the face of huge challenges.”
Natasha said she had started &Keep with her husband, John, 43, after travelling around Europe in their red campervan for eight months.
She said: “We learnt to choose our possessions wisely, to value items we could ‘Keep’ forever and noticed the rise of the destructive throwaway culture.
“The business has gone from strength to strength in the past three and half years.
“Plastic pollution is definitely in the spotlight in politics and the media.
“As the world digests the devastating effects of plastic as it ricochets through all life forms, there has been an exponential interest in our business and the solutions we offer to the crisis.
“We knew we wanted to start our own business so we could both work from home and be around for our two daughters, now six and eight, when they needed us.
“We thought long and hard about our values and what means the most to us, what we could throw our heart and soul into, and &Keep was born.
“We believe our passion for the cause, dedication to impeccable customer service, tenacity, wealth of useful information, and desire to keep providing the best value eco-friendly alternatives to less sustainable items, have been key elements in driving our growth and will continue to be so.
“I have built a business to be proud of – one which people are happy to recommend, that influencers shout about and whose reputation speaks volumes.
“The fact that we not only offer alternatives to plastic but we are awareness-raising planet-huggers, encourages people to ‘open their eyes’ to the fragility of our world, but also sets us apart from other businesses in the industry.
“We are not simply selling goods but passionately believe in leaving a better world for future generations and this will never cease.”
&Keep now employs eight people, as well as Natasha and John, and also works with six other freelancers on a part-time basis.
Natasha said: “I offer accessible employment to people, ladies, who would like to work part-time while their children are in school/nursery, a tricky role to find.
“I am proud to have five females on my team and we make up the overwhelming majority.
“The team are enjoying flexible working hours which allows family life to thrive while offering them autonomy and the feeling of doing something worthwhile for future generations.
“I welcome and encourage their feedback and contribution to the running of the business.”
Previous to her latest award Natasha was a finalist for Business Mother of the Year 2017 (Venus Awards) and Business Mother of the Year 2018 and Overall Success Businesswoman of the Year 2018 at the SWIB (Successful Women In Business awards).
&Keep also won the Heart of Gold Award at the Small Business Awards in 2019, in recognition for its contribution to the community, and was a finalist for a Big Green Award in 2019.
