Sisters Disha, Apee and Yukti – pictured above – are the owners of D.A.Y, a small fashion boutique based in Peckham, South East London, where they were excited to welcome Vodafone Business Ambassador, Steven Bartlett, to help them overcome some of the challenges they face online.
Founded in 2018, D.A.Y was developed from the siblings’ passion for independent retail, community and under-the-radar brands. The sisters, who each have a background in marketing and fashion, come from an entrepreneurial family, with their parents having run their own business for more than 40 years.
And the owners of this fashion boutique are the subject of the third episode of Vodafone Business’ Digital SOS documentary series, aimed at helping SMEs increase their business online through the vast array of free resources available on the V-Hub website.
As SMEs adopt digital technology, a common challenge is navigating the e-commerce world and developing a steady drumbeat of sales online. UK consumers spend over £2bn a month online but only 31% choose to shop with independent retailers online.
The Digital SOS documentary series has so far garnered 118m impressions and has played a vital role in connecting Vodafone with small businesses, helping them address some of the key challenges they face online, whether looking to find new customers, increase sales or protect themselves through smarter cybersecurity.
Apee Bhutani, Founder and Owner, D.A.Y Boutique, said: “This experience has been so eye opening to be a part of, and it has really made us think about the quick wins we can make to our website and social media channels. Due to the love of interacting with our customers and local community in store, we often neglect our online presence.
“But we’re aware of the need to keep focused on this, as we live in a digital world nowadays and don’t want to get left behind! Therefore, we’re really grateful for the work of Vodafone Business, alongside Steven, to help support small businesses – and all for free with V-Hub!”
Steven Bartlett, left, Vodafone Business Ambassador and Diary of a CEO host, said: “It’s been great working with Vodafone Business on this new documentary series to help really bring to life how much they’re doing to support small businesses through their online platform, V-Hub. I’ve loved meeting with such individual small businesses which reminded me of when I first started out.
“Their passion, tenacity and determination to follow their dreams and give back to their local communities is truly inspiring, and I’m really excited to watch their businesses continue to grow by putting mine and V-Hub’s advice into practice. SMEs are the backbone of our economy and, by making greater use of technology and leaning into the digital world, business owners can improve their digital skills as well as their business potential.”
Jo Wedlock, Head of Business Marketing, Demand & Comms, Vodafone Business UK, said: “We created the Digital SOS documentary series in partnership with Steven Bartlett as we know SMEs are often looking for help on how digital technology can play a role in growing their business. We are committed to being a trusted digital partner for SMEs and hope the series inspires and educates entrepreneurs to take their businesses to the next level online.”
The Vodafone Business V-Hub is a free online support service that provides expert guidance, knowledge, tools and training. SMEs can discover how to take the next step on their digital journeys by talking to a team of Vodafone Business V-Hub Business Advisers. Find out more here and watch the latest episode in the series now.
