Seven independent businesses from Wales have been named by Small Business Saturday, which reveals this year’s 100 most inspiring small businesses.
Newport-based skincare brand Clear For Men, which creates men’s skincare products and raises awareness of men’s mental health issues, is among the local business owners featured in this year’s SmallBiz100 list, which showcases the UK’s most impressive independent businesses.
Following a nationwide search, a number of small businesses from across Wales have appeared on the SmallBiz100 list, with many showing a strong commitment to sustainability and inclusion.
This year’s list includes:
- Battle Green is an eco-friendly company based in Eryri, North Wales, selling alternatives to everyday items in response to the impact of microplastics on the environment.
- Ffa Da: Specialty Arabica coffee roasting company based in Harlech, North Wales.
- Meridian Life: Newport-based yoga and meditation class company that aims to bring the local community together through wellness practices.
- Jackie Thomson HypnoWellbeing: Holistic wellbeing business in Deganwy, North Wales, helping people achieve mental and physical wellbeing through personalised hypnotherapy and coaching solutions.
- Welsh Luxury Hamper Co. – Luxury gift hamper company from South Wales using products from local artisans and producers.
- Clear For Men: Newport-based skincare brand that creates men’s skincare products and raises awareness about men’s mental health issues.
- Go Below Underground Adventures is a family-run business based in Betws-y-Coed, North Wales, offering underground slate mine tours.
Running in the UK for over a decade, Small Business Saturday is the country’s most successful small business campaign. It takes place every year on the first weekend in December to celebrate small businesses and encourage consumers to ‘shop local’ and support businesses in their communities.
Each company included in the SmallBiz100 will be showcased as part of a 100-day countdown to Small Business Saturday on December 7, as it kicks off a broader campaign to encourage support for small businesses and unlock their potential to drive economic growth.
Against an improving economic backdrop, campaigners highlight the role small businesses will play in driving the UK’s recovery. But after a series of challenges – from Covid-19 to the cost of living crisis – they warn that small businesses need a big boost of support to recover and grow.
“This year’s SmallBiz100 list shows the huge contribution that small businesses make to their communities and the wider UK economy. While they continue to feel the consequences of a difficult few years, small businesses 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.”
Despite signs that the economy is improving, small business owners still face some persistent economic challenges. More than half (53%) of small businesses identify high costs as a persistent problem, but an even greater number, more than two-thirds (68%), expect their business to grow this year. This is according to new data from the SME Barometer, a survey of decision-makers from 1,000 small and medium-sized businesses in the UK by American Express, the main campaigner in the UK and which founded Small Business Saturday in the US in 2010.
What’s more, 52% say customers are deliberately supporting small businesses in the current environment, indicating an upward trend for small businesses in the country.
Dan Edelman, General Manager, UK Merchant Services at American Express, said:
“This year’s inspiring SmallBiz100 once again showcases the incredible vitality of the country’s small businesses. We’re proud to support the entrepreneurs who run these companies and to encourage the country to shop small through our ongoing support of Small Business Saturday – a campaign that remains as important now as it was when it first began.”
Small Business Saturday is a not-for-profit grassroots campaign that aims to champion and support the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses. On Small Business Saturday, customers across the UK come out to support all types of small businesses, from independent shops and restaurants to small service businesses and B2B companies such as accountants and plumbers. Many small businesses play an active role in promoting the day by hosting events and offering promotions.
Since the campaign began in the UK in 2013, it has reached millions of people and billions have been spent with small businesses on the same day, with an impact that lasts all year round.
Last year, the campaign was supported by the Prime Minister, the Mayor of London and the Chancellor of the Exchequer. More than 90% of local councils also supported the campaign, which was trending on social media that day.