Latest news with #SmallBusinessBritain
Entrepreneur
25-07-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Small And Mighty: How The UK Is Powering Up Its Microbusinesses
Small Business Britain launches a nationwide initiative to turn the UK's smallest ventures into powerful engines of growth—with live mentorship, expert training, and a bold vision for scale. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur United Kingdom, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. In a post-pandemic world reshaped by economic uncertainty, flexible work, and a new wave of entrepreneurship, microbusinesses have emerged as one of the most dynamic—and overlooked—segments of the economy. Now, Small Business Britain, one of the country's leading enterprise support organisations, is setting out to change that with the launch of Small and Mighty Live, an in-person, high-impact training event designed to unlock the next phase of growth for the UK's smallest businesses. Set to take place at London's Science Museum on October 2, 2025, Small and Mighty Live marks the physical evolution of the acclaimed Small and Mighty Enterprise Programme, which has already supported over 4,000 entrepreneurs since its launch in 2022. From marketing workshops to live strategy panels and one-on-one mentoring, the day-long event will gather hundreds of sole traders and microbusinesses under one roof, giving them unprecedented access to business leaders, industry experts, and actionable tools for scale. "This event isn't just a celebration of opportunity and growth," said Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder of Small Business Britain. "It's a powerful reminder of the vital role small businesses play in driving innovation, resilience, and boosting the UK economy." Delivered in partnership with Xero UK and ARU Peterborough, the Small and Mighty Enterprise Programme offers a free six-week online curriculum tailored to the nation's 5.2 million microbusinesses. This autumn, the programme returns on September 16, welcoming 500 entrepreneurs for expert-led training, live mentoring, and a structured path to building a 12-month growth strategy. Bethany Morton, founder of jewellery brand Silver & Steel, credits the programme for reigniting her business direction: "I hadn't looked at my business plan since launching. The programme gave me a much-needed refresher on setting goals, using new digital tools, and staying inspired." The live event in October is timed to coincide with the programme's midpoint—transforming its digital format into a vibrant, physical hub for community building and deep learning. Speakers at the event include Mike Soutar, entrepreneur and government adviser, Charelle Griffith, a top marketing mentor, and Professor Tom Williamson of ARU Peterborough. Workshops will tackle everything from SEO and PR to customer experience, alongside a live strategy panel hosted by money expert Emma Maslin, founder of The Money Whisperer. Attendees can expect not only knowledge-sharing, but tailored guidance through one-to-one mentorship, as well as peer networking opportunities with fellow founders facing similar growth challenges. "Microbusinesses are incredibly driven to grow," said Kate Hayward, Managing Director at Xero UK. "But they often struggle to access practical, relevant support. That's exactly what this programme delivers." Small and Mighty Live arrives at a time of growing ambition among the UK's microbusinesses. According to new research by Small Business Britain and Xero, over 60% of small business owners plan to grow their businesses by at least 50% in the next five years—a clear signal of intent that's now being matched with institutional support. By blending expert insight, community connection, and real-world tools, the programme doesn't just provide a platform for growth—it's quietly reshaping the UK's economic narrative, putting microbusinesses at the heart of the recovery and beyond. In a world increasingly defined by agility, resilience, and local impact, small may very well be the future of mighty. Applications for the next Small and Mighty Enterprise Programme are now open. To learn more or register for Small and Mighty Live, visit
North Wales Live
25-07-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
Small businesses embracing AI tools for growth
Small businesses are racing to embrace AI tools, with almost two thirds (62%) now using the game-changing technology as the demand for AI skills training grows. Research from BT and Small Business Britain – which recently launched a popular new 'AI for Small Business' training programme – found most are utilising the technology in marketing (47%), operations (17%), and customer service (8%). Driving the eagerness to adopt and integrate AI is the feeling many business owners are being held back by a lack of knowledge and skills, with 51% saying they need hands-on support to implement AI effectively. Five hundred small businesses across the UK recently took part in Small Business Britain and BT's free AI programme to bridge this critical skills gap. Through expert-led webinars entrepreneurs were helped to unlock the AI opportunity, with a special follow-on course focused on AI Tools. 'Small businesses want to be at the forefront of AI innovation, and so many already use it, but they need the right tailored support to make the most of its potential,' said Michelle Ovens CBE, founder of Small Business Britain. 'Together with BT Group, we are proud to have delivered the AI Tools programme, which has given entrepreneurs practical advice for their journeys with AI, helping them to integrate it into their operations for even more efficiency and growth.' A growing range of AI tools - across text generation, image creation and automation - are available that can help small businesses across day-to-day operations and broader strategic goals. The course highlighted how with no previous technical skills, small firms can build simple AI tools tailored to their needs which can boost efficiency and take the pressure off by planning and executing tasks such as writing content and analysing data, communication and more. Chris Sims, Chief Commercial Officer, UK Business, at BT said: 'This programme, delivered with Small Business Britain, shows that AI is no longer just the priority of big companies. It highlights the eagerness of small businesses to harness AI's power to work faster and smarter, giving them valuable time to focus on innovation, customer relationships and growth.' Jamie Bykov-Brett, AI expert and co-founder of the Executive AI Institute, who hosted a session as part of the AI Tools course, said: 'The most important thing about the AI revolution is that it should help those who are furthest from opportunity. I enjoy running workshops for Small Business Britain because it's my way of making sure people from all backgrounds see AI as something they can access and benefit from.'
North Wales Live
24-07-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
Small Business Britain launches live event to boost microbusinesses
In a major new move to support the UK's smallest businesses to scale, Small Business Britain is launching an intensive, all-day small business training event this autumn, as part of the return of its popular Small and Mighty Enterprise Programme. 'Small and Mighty Live' will offer a day of expert workshops, keynote talks and panel discussions with business leaders and entrepreneurs, alongside live mentoring, and networking for hundreds of microbusinesses and sole traders from across the country. Taking place on 2 October 2025 at the Science Museum in London, it is timed to coincide with the midpoint of this autumn's Small and Mighty Enterprise Programme and bring this online event to life in an in-person format. The Small and Mighty Enterprise programme is a free six-week course to supercharge small businesses, delivered in partnership with global small business platform Xero and university business academics at ARU Peterborough. It aims to equip the nation's 5.2 million microbusinesses and sole traders with the tools and knowledge to take their first steps towards growth. The event marks a major milestone in the growth of the scaling programme, which has supported over 4,000 small businesses to scale since it launched in 2022. Small and Mighty Live will bring together hundreds of entrepreneurs and business experts for a high-impact day of learning, connection, and community. Speakers include entrepreneur Mike Soutar, known for his work as an interviewer on The Apprentice and now as an adviser to the UK Government's Board of Trade, a senior speaker from Xero UK, and Professor Tom Williamson of ARU Peterborough. Sessions will cover marketing, customer experience, SEO and PR, and the event will also feature a live strategy panel hosted by money mentor and Founder of The Money Whisperer, Emma Maslin, alongside a line-up of inspiring entrepreneurs, as well as one-to-one mentoring and networking opportunities. This event reflects the increasing ambition of the UK's microbusinesses. Research from Small Business Britain and Xero shows that over 60% of microbusinesses plan to grow by half (50%) or more in the next five years. 'Small and Mighty Live will be a huge moment for the small business community,' said Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder of Small Business Britain. 'We've seen firsthand the incredible impact the online Small and Mighty Enterprise programme has had, empowering thousands of microbusinesses to unlock their potential and take the first steps towards growth. We are excited to bring this to life through Small and Mighty Live, which will create a unique opportunity to deepen connections, spark fresh ideas, and fuel even greater ambition. This event isn't just a celebration of opportunity and growth, it's a powerful reminder of the vital role small businesses play in driving innovation, resilience, and boosting the UK economy.' Alongside the launch of Small and Mighty Live, applications are now open for the next cohort of the Small and Mighty Enterprise Programme, which will return on 16 September, offering 500 entrepreneurs flexible, expert-led learning, mentoring, and a step-by-step path to building a 12-month growth plan. 'The Small and Mighty Programme was incredibly useful for refocusing my business strategy. I hadn't looked at my business plan since launching, and this gave me a much-needed refresher on setting goals and using tools for growth. It left me feeling motivated, inspired, and up to speed with the latest digital trends,' said Bethany Morton, Director of Silver & Steel Participants will benefit from live weekly training sessions, on-demand resources, one-to-one and group mentoring, and inclusion in a supportive national peer network. 'Microbusinesses are incredibly driven to grow, but they often struggle to access the tailored, practical support that truly fits their needs,' said Kate Hayward, Managing Director at Xero UK. 'The Small and Mighty Programme, and now Small and Mighty Live, directly address this gap with hands-on guidance that helps businesses take tangible steps forward. These initiatives give entrepreneurs the clarity, confidence, and tools to grow. We're proud to stand behind this vital work and continue our support for the UK's small business community.' Professor Tom Williamson, Assistant Principal of ARU Peterborough, added: 'Our collaboration with Small Business Britain on the Small and Mighty Programme reflects our shared commitment to supporting grassroots entrepreneurship across the UK. By combining academic insight with practical learning, we're equipping microbusinesses with the strategic thinking and confidence they need to thrive. Small and Mighty Live is a powerful extension of this approach, bringing learning to life, deepening engagement, and helping entrepreneurs build meaningful futures.'
Business News Wales
10-07-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Business Owner Attends Chancellor's Small Businesses Celebration
A Swansea businesswoman has attended a special reception hosted by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to recognise the contribution of small businesses to the economy, society and communities. Tyra Oseng-Rees, founder and director of Oseng-Rees Reflection Ltd, attended the event which brought together winners and finalists of The Small Awards. This annual awards showcase is organised by Small Business Britain and celebrates the UK's 'smallest and greatest' businesses. The event featured more than 40 small businesses, from micro-businesses and family businesses, to start-ups and high street heroes. Tyra was a finalist in the Small Awards' Net Hero category for best sustainability-focused business, which recognises a small business with an exceptional commitment to environmental sustainability. As a Net Hero finalist, Oseng-Rees Reflection Ltd was shortlisted for its pioneering work in sustainability and circular design. The company transforms demolition materials into low-carbon, high-impact installations. Their award-winning cladding of the Grade II listed Buttermarket in Cornwall, featuring 800 recycled glass tiles, won the 2025 Surface Design Award for Exterior Surface of the Year. The company's work was also recently featured in Business News Wales, highlighting how glass from the former Newport Centre was repurposed into a new architectural installation. Tyra said: 'Getting invited to Downing Street was a real surprise, and a boost. As someone running a small business built on sustainability and creative thinking, it meant a lot to be in the room where big decisions happen. It showed me that voices like mine, focused on doing things differently and better for the planet, are starting to be noticed. I believe real change starts when we show up with honesty, ideas, and the guts to do things differently.' Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder of Small Business Britain, said: 'Small businesses are the heart and soul of their communities and contribute massively to the UK economy,' 'It is fantastic to see the stellar achievements of Tyra recognised by the Chancellor and the Treasury in this way, at such a special event. It is so important that the whole nation gets behind small businesses and give them all the support they need.'
Scotsman
26-06-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
New green growth programme helps SMEs turn sustainability into success
A new programme designed to help small businesses unlock the financial benefits of sustainability has been announced by Small Business Britain. Free weekly newsletter Join our weekly YourWorld newsletter for updates, behind-the-scenes insights from our editors and your chance to shape what's next. Free weekly newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The Green Growth Programme, run in partnership with BT, is a free, six-week, CPD (Continuing Professional Development) certified online course starting in September, aimed at equipping small business owners with the knowledge and tools to understand how sustainability can boost the bottom line. The launch follows the final report from the Government-backed Willow Review, which highlights a significant economic opportunity for UK SMEs through greener practices. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad New research from the Willow Review - which surveyed small businesses benefitting from sustainability - found that two thirds (67%) of SMEs reported reduced operational costs, with over half attracting new customers and a third (35%) seeing improved customer loyalty. Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder of Small Business Britain, with entrepreneurs at the launch of the Willow Review final report. The Green Growth Programme feeds into the Review's call for expanded green skills training across the UK Despite this, adoption of green practices remains limited due to barriers including upfront costs, limited knowledge, and a lack of support and training. The Green Growth Programme aims to address this gap directly. 'There is clear evidence that sustainability drives business growth,' said Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder of Small Business Britain and Co-Chair of the Willow Review. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'This programme gives small firms the tools, insights, and real-life inspiration they need to act and grow their business. By embedding sustainability into their operations, small businesses can grow with purpose and reap tangible financial rewards.' With 5.45 million small businesses in the UK making up 99% of UK firms and half of all business emissions, the stakes are high, but so is the potential for change. The Green Growth Programme recognises the crucial role SMEs play in the transition to a greener economy, and the significant opportunities it can unlock for them. 'We know that small businesses want to go green, but often feel overwhelmed or unsupported, making it difficult for them to start their sustainability journey,' said Chris Sims, Chief Commercial Officer, UK Business at BT. 'This programme offers targeted, accessible training to help small firms navigate and implement sustainability, showing how changes like cutting energy consumption and attracting eco-conscious customers can drive real commercial success.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Starting on 18 September, the programme will highlight expert-led modules on how sustainability can drive savings and boost resilience, offering practical, low-cost actions that deliver quick results. Participants will also explore how AI and digital tools can streamline operations, discover how to attract and retain customers through sustainable branding, learn where to access green finance, and build a clear plan for long-term sustainable growth. Marinela Caldarus, founder of Art Group Classes, is actively integrating sustainability into her businesses' programmes, and says, 'Sustainability has not only helped us cut operational costs but also inspired new ways of working, from eco-conscious materials to community-led projects. Programmes like this are invaluable, offering the support and insight needed to grow responsibly while staying true to our creative mission.' Small businesses can learn more about the Green Growth Programme and sign up here.
