When I kicked off running my first small business my main challenge was the isolation. I felt alone and coming from the corporate world I had little understanding about how small businesses hung out. I am now 18 years on from starting that first business and community, working together and Read More...Read more »
Dog lover and professional photographer Cathy Bower (and part of our Member’s Club!) is asking owners of rescue dogs to celebrate their furry friends and help to give less fortunate residents of the City Dogs Home, Stoke-on-Trent a Christmas treat. Cathy, who works from offices at the Foxlowe ...Read more »
We recently welcomed Julie-Anne Craig to the Member’s Club from the business Not Just Travel. Julie-Anne is a personal travel consultant who’s every day mission to plan your perfect holiday that is completely tailored to you. This fabulous personal service is designed to create a stress ...Read more »
For a few years now I have posted and written about the perils of Black Friday for small, micro, indie and freelance businesses at this time of the year. Before you think me an utter humbug or purist, hear me out. Firstly, I am no stranger to a bargain. I Read More »...Read more »
One of the biggest challenges for a micro, small business owner is that you are responsible for everything in your business. Rent, website, SEO, social media, building, making, creating and marketing (to name a few of the skills required!). One of the biggest challenges my clients talk to me about R...Read more »
We often tell amazing stories on Simply Great Britain, but this one is particularly inspiring. Caroline Hardeman-Mason, founder and managing director of TURN Education CIC has brought her many years experience of working with young people with challenges in education to set up a new environment for ...Read more »
We’re so excited to have welcomed Dovedale Brewery to the Member’s Club – a new artisan micro brewery set in the stunning surroundings of the Peak District. Andrea – master brewer, is the magic behind the new brand which is already supplying local pubs and retailers and gai...Read more »
We want to welcome another new small business to the Member’s Club by sharing another brilliant business story with you. Touch-Learn International was founded in 2001 as a training provider in the field of baby massage, signing, yoga and so much more for individuals & organisations to gain...Read more »
When you think about garment embroidery, you might be forgiven for thinking a small logo on a cheap t-shirt or workwear. Dianna Lee has created a business that is something all together more amazing. Based in Derbyshire, Dianna specialises in small batches and bespoke design, working with individual...Read more »
The Stone Food & Drink Festival is a long standing member of Simply Great Britain but an even longer member of the community in the town of Stone in Staffordshire. An annual gem of an event that really does have love and community at its heart. And heart is what Read More »...Read more »
[From Emily – founder & small business owner] For those of you who have met me, you may be in no doubt about my thoughts on our approach to small business in the UK. I tend to get enthusiastic, sometimes I even step onto a soap box & I certainly Read More »...Read more »
Lyn Ashworth England is one of the UK’s leading British bridal labels renowned for crafting beautiful and stylish gowns. Each and every dress is designed and created at the newly opened design studio and showroom boutique on the Duchy of Lancaster Estate in Staffordshire by creative director Sara...Read more »
It’s been a while since we added a new story because we have been doing some serious work to our website but here we are! We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Lisa from Inspired By Lisa to our community of stand out small, micro, indie, freelance businesses. Lisa is Read More »...Read more »
Who heard their Grandma say those words? Who lives by them now? We do! Gallery at 12, a fabulous cooperative of artists and designers in Eccleshall in Staffordshire, are hosting an inspiring new exhibition that starts this weekend called just that – ‘Waste Not, Want Not’. The exhib...Read more »
Small businesses never fail to inspire me. I am always so blown away by the dedication, innovation and passion with which they work but more than that – how much they give back. Case in point is Hoe Grange Holidays, owned and run by Felicity and David at their stunning Read More »...Read more »
We’ve had a little summer break on the blog & I couldn’t be more chuffed to be sharing this story with you today. Earlier, I chatted to Vic from Energy Ball Recipes.com about how things were going, the challenges faced by a small food company with big ambitions and the Read More &r...Read more »
Welcoming new members to our community is absolutely my favourite job of the week. We know from our member feedback that the membership means a lot. Being part of something that is growing is important. Feeling connected and supported is key to success and adding your voice to our mission Read More ...Read more »
I am dedicated to/obsessed by the world of small, micro, indie and freelance business owners. I am one of them myself. Here are a few thoughts that have been gathering in my head for a while about our relationship with small business in Britain. Haggling: when talking to members and Read More »...Read more »
We’re so pleased to be welcoming Lorraine and Sandra from Lori G Bridal Studio to the member’s collective. As you can see from their pic, these two sisters know how to enjoy doing what they love. A truly independent, family business, Lori G provides exceptional love and care for every Re...Read more »
We are so pleased to welcome Bernie from Urban 8 Create to the Simply Great Britain Member’s Club. Like many of our members, there is a story behind the business and one that will inspire. Bernie has had a long fascination with old watches and has turned her passion into Read More »...Read more »
