Emma Heathcote-James, founder of the Little Soap Company, is “thrilled” after her family-run business received a coveted Sustainable Development accolade at the 2026 King’s Awards for Enterprise. Starting from her kitchen in a Cotswolds cottage in 2008, Emma transformed a simple hobby into a thriving multi-million-pound enterprise known for its commitment to sustainability.
The Little Soap Company was born out of Emma’s frustration with synthetic fragrances and mainstream soaps, prompting her to craft natural, plant-based alternatives for herself and her loved ones. Today, the company’s diverse product lines—including Organics, Naturals, Eco Warrior, and Little Beast—are widely available in leading supermarkets such as Waitrose, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, and Boots.
Emma’s ethos has always been clear: to prioritize people and the planet over profit. This genuine commitment has earned the business numerous certifications, including B Corp status since 2020 and a commendable recertification score of 90.7 in 2023. The company has also achieved carbon-negative status from Carbon Neutral Britain for three consecutive years, offsetting more than twice its total emissions.
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The King’s Awards for Enterprise, previously known as The Queen’s Awards, represent the UK’s highest business honours. The Sustainable Development category is notoriously hard to win, handed out to only 15-30 companies annually. Emma describes the rigorous process as challenging, yet rewarding, especially given the prevalence of greenwashing in the industry.
“We’re proud to show that a successful, profitable business can be genuinely eco-friendly,” Emma says. Her company’s products are 100% plant-based, vegan certified, cruelty-free, and made entirely in Britain. Packaging uses recycled and recyclable materials, and fragrances come solely from pure essential oils without synthetic additives.
Emma is also outspoken about the importance of authentic sustainability in business. “It’s in our DNA: every decision prioritizes people and planet before profit. This award validates that doing the right thing works,” she explains. She continues to champion local manufacturing, choosing to avoid cheaper overseas production despite higher costs.
Looking forward, Emma hopes to inspire more natural soap brands to enter the market. “It annoys me that natural bars remain a rarity on supermarket shelves. We need more companies committed to doing it properly,” she urges.
The Little Soap Company team will celebrate their royal recognition with a reception at St James’ Palace in London and a barn dance later this year. Emma is also preparing for international expansion, viewing the award as a springboard to global markets. “The world is our oyster now,” she says enthusiastically.