Eleanor Tomlinson: Yorkshire artist who created famous sketch of Queen and Paddington among local names on prestigious SmallBiz100 list
Eleanor Tomlinson, who is based near South Cave in East Yorkshire and did a degree in Illustration at York St Johns University, became known around the world in 2022 for a sketch she created after Queen Elizabeth II appeared in a sketch with Paddington Bear to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
The image went viral and thousands of people, including actor Hugh Bonneville, who starred in the Paddington films, requested prints.
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Hide AdTomlinson has now been listed amongst Britain’s 100 most inspirational small businesses in advance of the annual Small Business Saturday initiative in December.


This year’s SmallBiz100 line-up showcasing the UK’s most impressive independent businesses also includes Haworth bookshop Wave of Nostalgia, Barnsley-based mental health coaching business Mind Matters and Simply Customer, a Huddersfield consultancy supporting microbusinesses.
Other local names to feature are Rainbow & Co in Sowerby Bridge, leather satchel shop Zatchels in York, Grimsby’s VE Cosmetics and OpenED, a South Pennines-based business providing one to one neurodiversity assessment and support for adults.
Small Business Saturday takes place each year on the first weekend in December, celebrating small businesses and encouraging consumers to 'shop local' and to support businesses in their communities.
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Hide AdEach business in the SmallBiz100 list will be showcased as part of a 100-day countdown to Small Business Saturday itself on December 7.
Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK, said: “This year’s SmallBiz100 list shows the huge contribution small businesses make to their communities and the wider UK economy. As they continue to feel the fallout of a challenging few years, small firms still need significant support to get back on their feet.
“Small Business Saturday has always been a powerful way for the public to celebrate and uplift our nation’s small businesses, and in this critical time of opportunity, the campaign’s lasting impact will be essential.”
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