Dr Kelly Smith, founder of North East design studio SPELK., was among a select group of female entrepreneurs chosen to represent the region at an exclusive reception held at 11 Downing Street.
Hosted on 25th March 2026 by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon. Rachel Reeves MP, the event recognised the vital contribution female founders make to the UK economy. The reception brought together a select group of fifty women from across the North East, including Dr Smith, alongside North East Mayor Kim McGuinness.
Organised in partnership with Sophie Milliken MBE and City Ladies Networking, the event reflects growing national recognition of the strength and potential of female-led businesses in the region.
Dr Smith was selected as one of the North East representatives in recognition of her work as founder of SPELK. and her role as a voice for independent, design-led business, as well as her voluntary work with local public organisations.
Speaking after the event, Dr Kelly Smith said: “To be invited to Downing Street to represent North East female founders is an incredible honour. It’s a powerful reminder that the work happening in our region is being seen and valued at the highest level. I hope this moment translates to meaningful support and long-term investment in female-led businesses across the North East”.
SPELK. is a North East-based interior design studio known for its considered approach and personal design process. Working across residential and commercial projects, the studio creates spaces that balance functionality with emotional and aesthetic depth. The name SPELK. is drawn from an old dialect word meaning a splinter of wood, reflecting the studio’s focus on material honesty and the beauty found in natural forms.
The event marks a further milestone in a period of growing recognition for the studio. SPELK. won “Best New Business in County Durham, Sunderland and South Tyneside” at the 2025 North East Business Awards, and has been shortlisted for “New Business of the Year” at the upcoming Northern Echo BusinessIQ awards in April.
