The Small Business Saturday campaign has unveiled Britain’s 100 most exciting small businesses for 2024, as it launches a broader initiative to promote support for small businesses and harness their potential to drive economic growth.
A London-based yoga studio, a spice kit business from Essex, an upholstery workshop from Cheshire, and a financial education consultancy from Scotland are among the standout businesses featured in this year’s SmallBiz100 lineup, showcasing the best of the nation’s vibrant small businesses selected by Small Business Saturday.
Each business will be highlighted as part of a 100-day countdown to Small Business Saturday on 7 December.
Despite ongoing economic challenges, with over half of small firms citing high costs as a persistent issue, a majority of them (68%) anticipate growth this year. This data comes from the ‘SME Barometer’ survey conducted by American Express, the principal supporter of the campaign in the UK, which founded Small Business Saturday in the U.S. in 2010.
Furthermore, 52% of respondents say customers are intentionally supporting small businesses in the current climate, indicating a positive trend for the nation’s small firms.
Celebrating its success for over a decade in the UK, Small Business Saturday is the country’s most effective small business campaign, held annually on the first weekend in December to celebrate small businesses and encourage consumers to shop locally and support businesses in their communities.
Massimo Langella, owner of the Shambles restaurant and wine bar in London’s Teddington and one of this year’s SmallBiz100, expressed his excitement at being included in the prestigious list. He credited the community for their tremendous impact on his family-run business and emphasized the importance of supporting small firms.
The lineup of this year’s SmallBiz100 also includes a diverse range of small businesses from various regions across the UK, such as Sensational Cakes and Deserts in Southampton, Adaptive Yoga Live in South London, Billingtons ballroom, bar and kitchen in Oldham, Battle Green in North Wales, The Happy Business Company in Penicuik, Jiggi Mobile Barbershop in Bolton, and Tastesmiths in Purfleet.
With an improving economic outlook, campaign organizers stress the vital role small businesses will play in driving the UK’s recovery. However, following a series of challenges—from COVID-19 to the cost-of-living crisis—they emphasize the need for substantial support to help small businesses rebuild and thrive.
Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK, highlighted the significant contribution small businesses make to communities and the wider economy. She emphasized the continued support needed for small firms to overcome recent difficulties.
Dan Edelman, General Manager, UK Merchant Services at American Express, praised this year’s inspiring SmallBiz100 lineup and reaffirmed their commitment to championing entrepreneurs and promoting shopping at small businesses through their ongoing support of Small Business Saturday.
Small Business Saturday is a grassroots campaign with a mission to champion and support the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses. Customers are encouraged to support all types of small businesses on the day itself by shopping at independent shops, restaurants, service providers, and more.
Since its inception in 2013, the UK campaign has garnered widespread support from various stakeholders and has had a lasting impact on small businesses throughout the year.
To learn more about Small Business Saturday’s SmallBiz100, visit https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/small-biz-100.