This article from Forbes breaks down the SmallBiz100 list, covering 100 of the most promising independent companies across all sectors. Read on to learn more about these inspiring entrepreneurs and these exciting growth opportunities.
Despite the news, economic reports, and my Twitter feed, when I look at the state of Small Business in the UK, I find many reasons to be optimistic.
I’m not on my own here, am I? I know there is plenty in the news that could get small businesses down. From economic challenges, talk of the high street “dying,” and small business confidence down for another quarter – the longest period it’s been down since the last recession.
But despite this doom and gloom, look a bit closer and you will find the spirit of entrepreneurship is not dimmed one bit in the UK, and for many, there are opportunities just waiting to be exploited!
As of August 30th, this marks 100 days to go until Small Business Saturday, the day that the annual national campaign starts its countdown, called the SmallBiz100.
These 100 businesses are chosen from thousands of applicants across the country and represent the breadth and depth of incredible small businesses populating our nation. From Orkney to Bodmin, from inventors to chefs, whether you are interested in paddleboarding or kicking back with a gin, there is a business everyone can relate to.
These small businesses are certainly giving me a reason to be optimistic!
Recent research into the high street from American Express showed far from being on the verge of collapse, many small businesses are in growth sectors, with businesses that focus on experiences seeing a big boom that is set to continue.
Main areas of growth
We see this on the ground, with the SmallBiz100 a fantastic demonstration of small businesses who focus on the customer experience reaping the rewards—and driving footfall away from computer screens and back to town centers.
Take The Butchers Social in Henley-in-Arden. An independent bar and restaurant, this small business started as a pop-up but has developed into a thriving local hot spot, sourcing ingredients and staff locally. Their focus on a unique customer experience, as well as the food itself, is proving a winning formula. Perhaps there is a secret sauce in there that other businesses can learn from? A single-minded focus on customer experience can take a business out of the pop-up and into the permanent.
There are some other positive trends clearly coming to the surface from the 100. We also see big growth in businesses focused on wellness. This is not just diet or exercise, but a holistic focus on the overall health of individuals and communities—including mental health. Believe and Achieve in Sheffield is a prime example of this. A ladies-only gym that teaches women about fitness, the importance of nutrition, and developing a positive mindset, it is contributing to creating a healthier community — and that can only be a good thing for people and more broadly, society as a whole.
Mentoring and support networks are also a major growth trend in small businesses. The value of a guide and supportive “tribe” is finally being fully understood and exploited. Fabulous networks such as Sister Snog, focused on vibrant female entrepreneurs, and the Single Mums Business Network, focused on giving opportunities to those with little home support, show how women have really caught onto the opportunities a powerful network can bring to launching and growing your own business.
The final growth area of interest is perhaps a surprising one. Despite the ever-growing impact of digital technology – or perhaps because of it – is businesses focused on switching off that are driving people back into the real world. Businesses like Plytime, which uses real-world table-top-games for maths tutoring, or Together Equal, with its ”conversation cards” to encourage children to discuss issues at the dinner table, show how businesses that target experience and engagement can really thrive.
The full list of SmallBiz100
Whether you are a small business, you are thinking about starting one, or you are a customer (so that is all of us) there is much to be hopeful for. With over 5.6 million small businesses continuing to step forward in innovation and customer engagement, there really is something for everyone in their local small business community. Now, go out and get behind them!
The Butchers Social
Sparks and Daughters ltd
Livewire Theatre Company
Groovy Baby
Sagetech Machinery
Rockit
The Secret Crocheter
Single Mums Business Network
Earth Unwrapped
Books & Pieces
Muggi Limited
Peedie Models
BRS Cleaning Contractors Ltd
Inspiral Cycles
Mums Bake Cakes Ltd
Button & Sprung
Business Action
Cattermole Group
Rays Ice Cream
Shed 1 Distillery Ulverston Ltd
Noble Leaf
Nutcessity
Eclectic Gift Shop
SC E-Admin
Active 360
Ridgebag Ltd
Simple First Aid
JaJaJa Books
NB Communication Ltd
iSea Surfwear
Aldingbourne Trust
the puffin gallery
Made in Bristol
Sister Snog
Daisy Chain
Secret Whispers
Stuart Mobility Limited
Gwe Cambrian Web Cyf
Recover Repeat
Soft Tissue & Scar Work Clinic
Moulinet Chocolat
FanGo
Jam Jar Cinema
Lightbulb Chiropractic
aidie London
Fire and Earth Sports Massage
Genius Technology Solutions
DUKKI Ltd
Code 56
Omega outdoor adventure
Duco
Fit4dogsuk LTD Canine Hydrotherapy Centre
Whalley Warm & Dry
All About The Sew
Sling Spot Ltd
Pura Cosmetics
Together Equal
Goodleaf Tree Climbing
Aqua Living Ltd
The Greek Outdoors Ltd
Believe & Achieve UK
The Design Webb
Critit
The Barbell Club
Belfast Baby Company
me & dee registered charity
Lisden Technology
Kintsugi Clothing
The Little Welsh Dresser
Mak Tok
Riverhead Coffee
Sarah Gatford Ltd
Ready Steady Roll
Cornish Accounting Solutions Ltd.
Voltage Sport
Arragon’s Cycles
Rockit Home
Wool for Ewe
Underdog Pets
Baby College Swansea, Neath and Llanelli
Lily Blue Gifts And Home Ltd
Two Little Cats
Evolve
InPower Academy CIC
PLYTIME
Cannelle Medispa Llawnroc Group Ltd
Primordial Radio
Lucy’s Farm
W J French & Son
Alice Stewart Jewellery
pole emporium
Community Driving School CIC
Forget Me Not
Michelle Taylor Celebrant
MAMA.codes Ltd
The Dumfries Larder Ltd
58 Gin Ltd
Stamptastic Limited
Grove House Stables
Organisational Elephant Ltd
This article was written by Michelle Ovens from Forbes and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@newscred.com.