[SOUTHEND-ON-SEA, 10 SEPTEMBER 2018]: Southend-on-Sea’s Bean and Boy has been named as one of the UK’s top ‘Small Biz 100’ by Small Business Saturday. Bean and Boy, making traditional cold process soap by hand in small batches, has been selected as a trail-blazer in the official count-down to Small Business Saturday, which takes place across the UK on 1 December 2018.
The achievements and contribution to the local community of Bean and Boy will be celebrated and spotlighted on one the 100 days running-up to Small Business Saturday. This is part of the campaign’s mission to celebrate small business success, and encourage the nation to ‘shop local’ and support British small businesses.
The 2018 Small Biz 100 are drawn from every corner of the UK and reflect the vibrancy of the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses. Reflecting the latest in innovative start-up trends, from ethical shopping, through to Artificial Intelligence, this year’s Small Biz 100 features a range of unique independent businesses. This year’s cohort joins hundreds of previous Small Biz 100 alumni champions, which have been celebrated by the iconic campaign since its UK launch in 2013.
Director of Small Business Saturday UK, Michelle Ovens said:
“The launch of the Small Biz 100 marks the exciting count-down to Small Business Saturday 2018. We are thrilled to highlight the dynamic, creative and inspiring small businesses from across the country, as part of our campaign to celebrate and champion the success of the UK’s small businesses. The Small Biz 100 showcases the companies at the heart of the UK’s economy, which we need to support now more than ever.”
In its sixth year Small Business Saturday is the UK’s most successful small business campaign, which last year saw an estimated £748m spent with small businesses across the UK on Small Business Saturday.
A grassroots, not-for-profit campaign, Small Business Saturday was originally founded by American Express in the U.S. in 2010. American Express remains the principal supporter of the campaign in the UK, as part of its on-going commitment to encourage consumers to shop small.
The #SmallBizSatUK campaign trended at number one in the UK on Twitter during 2017, reaching over 115 million people globally. The Prime Minister and the Mayor of London were among those publically supporting the campaign. Over 87% of local councils also supported the campaign.
Small Business Saturday also benefits from the backing of leading business organisations including the Federation of Small Businesses and Enterprise Nation. The campaign is also supported by Amazon, Indeed, Royal Mail, Vistaprint, Xerox, and Square.
Small Business Saturday 2018 is open to all businesses to participate in, and will commence its regional bus tour roadshow across the UK during the autumn, to drum up further support.
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Notes to Editors
Media Contacts
Stacey Siddons
+44 (0)79 3999 3267
About Small Business Saturday
Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in their communities.
The day itself takes place on the first Saturday in December each year, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses.
On Small Business Saturday, customers across the U.K go out and support all types of small businesses, online, in offices and in stores. Many small businesses take part in the day by hosting events and offering discounts.
More information on Small Business Saturday can also be found at:
Facebook.com/smallbusinesssaturdayuk
Twitter – @SmallBizSatUk
https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com
ABOUT Bean and Boy
Bean & Boy make award-winning all-natural soaps by hand in Southend-on-Sea using responsibly-sourced vegan ingredients, pure essential oils & traditional methods. Inspired by nature, designed for sensitive skin & loved by families. No SLS, no parabens.
www.instagram.com/beanandboy