A PENISTONE businesswoman was recently invited by her local MP to visit 11 Downing Street to celebrate small businesses across Yorkshire and the Humber.
Aimee Cestrone, who founded Pippeta in 2020, was invited to the capital by Marie Tidball.
One of the brand’s flagship products is a market-leading, hands-free breast pump and each sale involves a lactation consultation, enabling new mothers to access expert support.
The event brought together MPs and small businessowners from across Yorkshire and the Humber after Marie had previously visited Pippeta’s office, based at Penistone 1, earlier this July and was impressed by the innovation and hard work demonstrated by the team of six in bringing Aimee’s vision to life.
Aimee said: “It was such an honour to be invited by Marie to Downing Street, representing local businesses and sharing how brands like Pippeta can help support families and normalise breastfeeding in the community.
“I’m a mum-of-three, running a small business, juggling school runs and snack boxes so heading to Downing Street was definitely one of those pinch-me moments completely out of my comfort zone, but I’m so glad I went as support is at the centre of everything we do.
“Marie first visited us at Pippeta back in July and our chat about improving maternity care and inclusion for parents really inspired me.
“To reconnect in such an incredible setting and talk about how small businesses can make a big difference for families felt truly special.
I’m so grateful for the opportunity and for Marie’s continued work championing families, small businesses, and female entrepreneurs.”
Marie added: “I was so impressed with her entrepreneurship and innovative hands-free portable breast pump, which is affordable, and can be worn in a bra.
“My Parliamentary campaign, MaternAble, ensures disabled women have access to inclusive maternity care, so I was delighted that Aimee was able to join me to celebrate her work as a small business that directly supports mothers from all walks of life to make breastfeeding more accessible and achievable.
“We must ensure that changes in maternity care, including for disabled women, includes having good support in the community.
“Pippeta goes above and beyond by offering lactation consultations with each sale of a breast pump, demonstrating a real commitment to supporting mothers throughout their maternity and child post-natal journey.
“Aimee is a shining example of home-grown talent from our communities, for our communities and sells thousands of products across the UK.
“I’m looking forward to working with Aimee and other stakeholders in supporting more mothers across our constituency to be confident in breastfeeding within our communities.”
