TV Dragon and retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis will be hosting #SBSEvent2025 – the free annual event for one of the UK’s leading small business initiatives, #SBS Small Business Sunday, at the Birmingham ICC on 21st February 2025. This event marks the 15th anniversary of #SBS since its inception in 2010, showcasing just how far the network has grown, now with 12 partners backing the initiative.
Theo Paphitis Quote: “I am thrilled that the #SBS initiative continues to be recognised as a powerful, free platform championing the UK’s small businesses. With the support of industry-leading partners, we are unlocking more and more opportunities for our 4,250-strong network. The value of being part of the #SBS community is second to none, offering vital support, upskilling, and motivation to some of the brightest startups and small businesses in the UK.”
For this year’s annual event, #SBSEvent2025, #SBS has joined forces with pioneering industry leaders as supporting partners including Headline Partner Google, NatWest Business, Ryman, Robert Dyas, DHL, Spring & Autumn Fair, Hakim Group, iLaw, SumUp, FreeAgent, GS1 and Lifestyle.
Google’s VP of UK Marketing, Eileen Mannion said: “We’re excited to be working with Theo Paphitis and his team on this year’s Small Business Sunday event. SBS is a great platform to connect with a variety of entrepreneurs, learn how AI-powered technologies can fuel business growth, and discover essential skills training, tools and programmes that will help small businesses to unlock their full potential.”
On supporting #SBS Small Business Sunday James Holian; Managing Director, Business Banking and International Retail, NatWest said: “As the UK’s biggest bank for small business, NatWest is delighted to work with #SBS. We know that by working with others that we can have a far greater impact on our customers. We are proud to be part of the #SBS network and look forward to working with Theo and the team on a range of programmes and initiatives that help small businesses.”
On supporting #SBS Small Business Sunday Chloe Danskin, Head of Marketing at Ryman said: “The #SBS Event is truly one of a kind – a vibrant hub where innovation, passion, and entrepreneurship shine. Far more than just an event, it’s a powerhouse for exchanging ideas and driving small business growth. The incredible energy and dedication of its community make being involved in #SBS a no-brainer for us.”
On supporting #SBS Small Business Sunday Donna Jackson, Marketing Manager for Social Media and the Creative Studio at Robert Dyas, said: “#SBS Small Business Sunday is a unique and ever-growing business community that we are proud to support. The determination and passion of the entrepreneurs within the #SBS network inspire us all at Robert Dyas. #SBS provides a fantastic opportunity to connect with hundreds of small businesses, allowing us to deepen our understanding of the very best in UK small business!”
On supporting #SBS Small Business Sunday FreeAgent’s Laura Jenkins, Director of Small Business Marketing & Automation: “#SBSEvent2025 is an incredible celebration of the dedication and energy of small businesses. FreeAgent is proud to support that passion. Our award-winning software currently helps over 150,000 small businesses manage admin, calculate payroll, submit taxes, and track performance – supporting them to make their business vision a reality.”
On supporting #SBS Small Business Sunday Hakim Group CEO, Imran Hakim, said: “As a business built on a strong culture of leadership and enterprise coupled with a deep-rooted desire to positively contribute to the next generation of business leaders, Hakim Group is delighted to join this year’s strong line-up at #SBSEvent2025.”
On supporting #SBS Small Business Sunday Thomas Minassian, Business Development Lead UKI and CEE said: “The SBS Event 2024 offered a valuable platform for SumUp to reconnect with the inspiring small and medium-sized businesses that are at the heart of our success. Through engaging networking sessions, one-on-one ‘Meet the Expert’ consultations, and an informative breakout presentation, we had the opportunity to address customer questions and gather valuable feedback on our SumUp products. The positive feedback from our valued customers was incredibly insightful. We are proud to have partnered with the Theo Paphitis Retail Group to make the event a success and are already looking forward to SBS 2025.”
On supporting #SBS Small Business Sunday a Spring Fair Spokesperson said: “Spring and Autumn Fair are thrilled to partner with Small Business Sunday once again, celebrating the passion and innovation of small businesses as we continue to support their growth and success.”
On supporting #SBS Small Business Sunday a GS1 Spokesperson said: “Starting a business is scary, growing a business is hard. At GS1 UK we know the power of community when it comes to addressing the challenges of building a business and that’s why we are supporting the 2025 Small Business Sunday (#SBS) event. We can’t wait to meet the inspirational brands that will be transforming our shopping habits in the coming years and the businesses, like ours, that will be supporting them on the journey.”
On supporting #SBS Small Business Sunday Trina Scott-Priestley – Head of Retail Partnerships at Lifestyle, Part of Motivates said: “At Lifestyle supporting small businesses is a core part of our vision in becoming the best multi-choice gift card in the UK. We are passionate about opening up the £7Billion gift card market, which traditionally has been out of reach for so many retailers, to the thousands of #SBS partners. Lifestyle’s partnership with #SBS is the perfect way to enable small businesses to access the Gift Card market and reach those new customers who will deliver incremental revenue. We are excited to be supporting small businesses growth and we are excited about seeing this develop.”
On supporting #SBS Small Business Sunday an iLaw Spokesperson said: “#SBSEvent2024 was as inspiring as ever, thanks to Theo and the incredible small business community he has built. Seeing the energy, innovation, and passion from everyone involved is a real highlight for us at iLaw. Partnering with Theo Paphitis’ team and supporting their vision for small businesses continues to drive our commitment to providing legal solutions that help them thrive. We always leave these events feeling inspired and ready to play our part in their success stories.”
On supporting #SBS Small Business Sunday a DHL Spokesperson said: “As a long-standing partner of #SBS, and a global leader in logistics, DHL Express is delighted to be at the event talking to businesses about expanding your business outside of the UK. They specialise in supporting local businesses to reach new markets, simplifying shipping and customs, and helping their customers to seize exciting opportunities worldwide!”
#SBSEvent2025 will take place in Birmingham on 21st February 2025, at the ICC in Birmingham. It is the 12th event since Theo Paphitis’ #SBS Small Business Sunday launched in 2010, and will be packed with the best and brightest of UK business including – a Fireside Chat from Richard Harpin and sessions from Hakim Group CEO Imran Hakim, Scamp & Dude Founder and CEO Jo Tutchener Sharp and much more!
