Aa Sheffield-based ethical school chick hatching project business called Eggucation has been crowned by the public as Britain’s Best Small Business Name for 2023. The competition by SME insurance provider Simply Business was launched to celebrate the wit, creativity, and humour of the nation’s small business owners. Eggucation will receive a £2,500 grant from Simply Business, aimed at supporting its business growth.
Last year, Perky Blenders, a London-based specialty coffee roasters, beat over 2000 other punny-names small businesses to be presented with the hotly contested accolade. This year, Eggucation picked up 21% of the total votes, beating competition from the likes of It Started with a Stitch and Leaky Finders Ltd.
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With over 10 years’ experience enhancing science and STEM education with their ethical schools hatching projects, Eggucation provides high quality and ethically-sound enrichment experiences in schools right across the UK. A passionate team of rare-breed poultry breeders – the company looks to provide schools with ‘Conservation in the Classroom‘ experiences.
Deb Howe, Founder of Eggucation said:“It was a thrill just to be nominated as part of the Simply Business’ competition to find Britain’s best small business name, but to win is absolutely fabulous and I’m humbled by the support both from the public and my clients. The name is easy to remember, unique and most importantly, always brings a smile to people’s faces. The name has helped bring to life my ambition for the business which is to give young people the opportunity to make real and memorable links to nature, sustainable food and farming. I would love every school to share this eggsperience and the £2,500 prize money from Simply Business will really help me continue to educate students on a message close to my heart.”
Simply Business’ study of 2,000 consumers revealed that a witty or funny business name can play a huge role in helping small businesses succeed, with one third (28%) of people stating they’d be more likely to shop at a small or local business with a funny or witty business name compared to those without. Two thirds (64%) of people would also be more likely to notice a small or local business with a funny or witty business name.
Small businesses are vital to local communities and people are noticeably preferring to shop small rather than at larger chains. Given the choice, nearly nine in ten (88%) people prefer to shop at small, local, or independent businesses when compared to larger chains, or a mixture of small businesses together with larger chains.
Alan Thomas, UK CEO at Simply Business said: “We’re incredibly proud to provide tailored insurance to over 800,000 creative and diverse SMEs across the UK. The impact that a memorable name can have on your business is incredible – our research showed that people are really warm to small businesses who have shown their personality through an imaginative name – and Eggucation is a worthy winner of our annual competition.
“SMEs have been hit harder than most in recent years so it is nice to have an opportunity to celebrate them. With close to six million small businesses across the UK, they are the lifeblood of our communities and collectively provide trillions of pounds to the UK economy. It is a real pleasure to award Eggucation with a £2,500 grant to support their business journey.”
