The Small Business Saturday campaign has revealed Britain’s 100 most exciting small businesses for 2024, as it kicks off a wider campaign to encourage support for small businesses and unlock their potential to power economic growth. A London-based yoga studio and a spice kit business from Essex, as well as an upholstery workshop from Cheshire and a financial education consultancy from Scotland are among those featured in this year’s SmallBiz100 line-up, which highlights the most impressive of the nation’s vibrant small businesses selected by Small Business Saturday. Each business will be showcased as part of a 100-day countdown to Small Business Saturday itself on 7 December.
Despite signs the economy is turning a corner, small business owners are still grappling with some persistent economic challenges. Over half (53%) of small firms identify high costs as a continuing issue but in spite of this, an even greater number, over two thirds (68%), expect their business to grow this year. This is according to fresh ‘SME Barometer’ data from a survey of decision makers at 1,000 UK small and medium sized businesses by American Express, the principal supporter of the campaign in the UK, and which founded Small Business Saturday in the U.S. in 2010.
What’s more, 52% say customers are deliberately supporting small businesses in the current environment, pointing to an upward trend for the nation’s small firms.
Running in the UK for over a decade, Small Business Saturday is the UK’s most successful small business campaign, which takes place each year on the first weekend in December, celebrating small businesses and encouraging consumers to shop small and support businesses in their communities.
“It’s an understatement to say we’re thrilled to be included in this year’s SmallBiz100,”said Massimo Langella, who owns the Shambles restaurant and wine bar in London’s Teddington and is one of this year’s SmallBiz100. “As a second-generation family-run business our community has had an amazing impact on us, and our local high street. We have a lot of thanks to give to all our amazing guests over the years, and we benefit greatly from the Small Business Saturday UK campaign, which reminds everyone to go out and support small firms!”
This year’s SmallBiz100 line-up also includes an array of small firms from all over the UK:
- Southampton’s Sensational Cakes and Deserts, founded by Sope Oludimu from her kitchen table a decade ago, as a side hustle whilst at university.
- Adaptive Yoga Live, in South London – founded by Disabled entrepreneur Miranda McCarthy to run inclusive online yoga classes that cater to any mobility level.
- OIdham’s Billingtons ballroom, bar and kitchen, founded by Kris Zemlik in 2020 when he revamped an old dance studio to create an inclusive events space and community hub.
- Battle Green in North Wales, which sells eco-friendly alternatives to everyday items as a response to the impact of microplastics on the environment.
- The Happy Business Company in Penicuik, Scotland – a consultancy started by coach Julie Begbie to support founders with running a business.
- Bolton’s Jiggi Mobile Barbershop – founded by Jignesh Madhavji out of his van during the Covid-19 pandemic, to create a more convenient, personal experience
- Tastesmiths in Purfleet, England – a family-run spice kit business, which provides hard to find ingredients and recipe instructions for authentic meals.
Against an improving economic backdrop, campaign organisers are emphasising the role small businesses will play in powering the UK’s recovery. But after a succession of challenges—from COVID-19 to the cost-of-living crisis—they warn small businesses need a major boost of support to build back up and grow.
“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,” said Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK. “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.”
Dan Edelman, General Manager, UK Merchant Services at American Express, said: “This year’s inspiring SmallBiz100 once again showcases the incredible vibrancy among the nation’s small businesses. We’re proud to champion the entrepreneurs running these businesses and to encourage the nation to shop small through our ongoing support of Small Business Saturday – a campaign which remains as important now as when it first began.”
Small Business Saturday is a grassroots non-commercial campaign with a mission to champion and support the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses. On Small Business Saturday, customers across the UK go out and support all types of small businesses, from independent shops and restaurants to small service and b2b businesses like accountants and plumbers. Many small businesses take an active role in promoting the day by hosting events and offering promotions.
Since the UK campaign started in 2013, it has reached millions of people and seen billions spent with small businesses on the day itself, with impact that lasts all year round.
Last year, the campaign saw support from the Prime Minister, the Mayor of London, as well as the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Over 90% of local councils also supported the campaign, which trended across social media on the day.
To learn more Small Business Saturday’s SmallBiz100 click here.
