Following a nationwide search, this year’s line-up includes the UK’s first botanical spirits range, Grounds for Good in South Wales; Scotland’s outdoor adventure experience, Wild Cairns; a floating community space, Breastfeeding Boat located in Limehouse Basin, Central London; and Fish City, an independent seafood restaurant in Belfast, demonstrating the diverse range of innovative small businesses that support our local communities and high streets.

Amala Chai, a chai business with six locations around London named one of the Nation’s Favourite Businesses (Image: Small Business Brtiain)

The Nation’s Favourite Businesses campaign will showcase businesses from the list as part of the official countdown to Small Business Saturday on 5 December- a grassroots non-commercial campaign of which American Express is founder and remains principal supporter in the UK – aimed at celebrating and uplifting independent firms by encouraging the public to go and support their local small businesses.

As part of the initiative, Small Business Saturday will award two eligible businesses featured on the list grants of £10,000 each, funded by American Express, to support their future growth. The grants can be utilised in a range of ways – from upgrading essential equipment, to boosting marketing efforts, or investment in customer experience.

Introduced last year, The Nation’s Favourite Businesses builds on the campaign’s long-standing SmallBiz100, a celebration of Britain’s most inspiring entrepreneurs. This year the list includes an array of small firms from across the UK, including:

1. London-based Get Kindy, a toy brand creating real, age-appropriate tools that help children participate in everyday household tasks

2. KAMU Academy in Bourne, Lincolnshire, an award-winning beauty, education, and social impact business

3. The Bookery, a Staffordshire-based community hub and bookshop championing indie authors

4. Manchester’s Soaked Umbrellas, a brand challenging throwaway culture and championing durable and recycled materials

5. Radnor Preserves, in Newtown, Wales, a multi award-winning artisan producer creating exquisite, hand-crafted marmalades, preserves and chutneys

6. The Silver Shop of Bath, a family run jewellery shop for 75 years and the heart of its community

7. Lancaster’s Ethel & Em, a nationally recognised independent yarn and stationery shop

8. Solihull’s Aura Clarity, an eyewear brand transforming the lives of people living with migraine, light sensitivity and photophobia

9. Eat Sleep Ride, an off-grid equine sanctuary and social enterprise in the Scottish Borders

10. Art on Scarves in Abergele, Wales, transforming Britain’s landscapes, wildlife, and heritage into beautifully crafted wearable art

“Small businesses have always been, and will continue to be, among the nation’s favourite businesses. Whether on our high streets, online or embedded in local communities, they play a vital role in the places we live and in the strength of our economy, said Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK. 

Leyla Alexander, founder of Manchester-based award-winning brand and web design studio focused on supporting small businesses, is one of this year’s Nation Favourite Businesses (Image: Small Business Brtiain)

“This year’s Nation Favourite Businesses are a true representation of the UK’s most-loved small businesses. From independent, family run cafés and local restaurants, to makers, services, and traders, they showcase the incredible diversity of the UK’s small business community. We know how important small businesses are and the challenges they face, so as we kick off this year’s Small Business Saturday campaign, we’re urging the public to get behind them during the most critical trading quarter of the year.”

Dan Edelman, General Manager, UK Merchant Services at American Express, said: “Small businesses bring energy, innovation and character to our high streets and local economies. That’s why American Express is proud to have founded Small Business Saturday and why we continue to back small businesses to help them thrive. This year’s Nation’s Favourite Businesses are a brilliant showcase of the UK’s entrepreneurial spirit, and we’re delighted to be providing grant funding that will help two of these inspiring businesses invest in their next chapter of growth.”

A guest at Wild Cairns, the Scottish outdoor adventure experience named as one Nation’s Favourite Businesses, enjoys one of the Scottish-themed experiences on offer (Image: Small Business Britain)

Small Business Saturday is the UK’s most successful small business campaign. Since launching in the UK in 2013, it has engaged millions of people and seen billions of pounds spent with small businesses across the UK on Small Business Saturday, with an impact that lasts all year round.

Lisa Shepherd, co-founder of purpose-led artisan biscuit company, The Biskery, based in Leeds, added: “Being nominated for the Nation’s Favourite Business is a huge honour; not just for us, but for every person who has ever chosen to support a small business over a bigger, easier option.

The Biskery was built from a family recipe and a belief that business can be a force for good, and nominations like this remind us why it matters.

“Small businesses are the heart of their communities, and when you support one, you’re not just buying a product; you’re helping someone employ local people, build something meaningful, and inspire others to trail blaze their own paths.”

Last year, the campaign saw extensive media coverage, as well as public support from the Royal Family, the Prime Minister and Chancellor, leader of the opposition, The Mayor of London, and over 90% of the nation’s local councils.

Source link