Hear from Debbie Weinstein, Vice President of Google and Managing Director of UK & Ireland on being a partner: “Digital technologies are truly transformative and can help businesses and individuals across the UK to increase their earnings, boost their productivity and unlock their full potential. As a former business owner, I understand how tough it is to know where to turn to for advice. That’s why we’re delighted to be providing hands-on support as part of our nationwide digital skills drive to help equip more people with invaluable skills that help to create jobs and economic opportunities.”

Hear from Trina Scott-Priestley – Head of Retail Partnerships at Lifestyle, Part of Motivates on being a partner: “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.”

FreeAgent is award-winning, easy-to-use accounting software for small businesses, landlords and their accountants and bookkeepers. Over 150,000 customers use FreeAgent to send invoices, manage expenses and keep an eye on their cashflow, while time-saving automation features and a personalised tax timeline help them stay on top of their finances. There’s a mobile app to help take care of business on the go, and it’s easy to work with an accountant or bookkeeper. Best of all, FreeAgent is free with a NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland or Ulster Bank business current account, or a Mettle bank account (terms and conditions apply; optional add-ons may be chargeable).

GS1 UK is here to support your business growth from the start. They are your trusted source for barcodes and so much more helping you increase product sales locally, globally, and online.    Many retailers require GS1 GTINs to trade with them as they provide proof that your product description can be trusted, that’s why Google will give you 40% increased visibility if you use your codes on their platform.   When you become a GS1 UK member you get so much more than barcodes, your membership includes exclusive access to networking opportunities and invaluable advice that will accelerate your business growth. 

Hear from Ryman on being our partner: “#SBS is a very special community with a loud voice, and has made a huge impact on small businesses and its winners in the last 11 years. The #SBS network and annual event is a perfect forum for us to talk to small businesses and understand what makes them tick and how we can help them. It is a small business network like no other, and has the added bonus of having the ongoing support of its creator and TV dragon, Theo Paphitis. Being involved in #SBS is a no brainer for us.”

Hear from Robert Dyas on being our partner: “#SBS Small Business Sunday is a unique and growing business community that we are thrilled to be a part of. Our team are inspired by the determination and passion of the brilliant small businesses within #SBS. #SBSEvent2022 allowed us to network with hundreds of small businesses, giving us the opportunity to develop further our understanding of the needs and requirements of some of the brightest small businesses in the UK.”

Hear from SumUp on being our partner: “The SBS Event 2022 was perfect for our SumUp team to get back to networking directly with the amazing small to medium businesses that are our everyday heroes.  We had the chance to answer many questions regarding our SumUp products through networking, Meet the Expert 1-2-1 sessions and our breakout presentation. This was incredibly insightful and it was great to hear the amazing feedback from our current customers who also came to say hi. The event itself was such a great opportunity for all and we are proud to work with the Theo Paphitis Retail Group to help make the day a success.  We are already planning for SBS 2023!”

Hear from Spring & Autumn Fair on being our partner: “We at Spring & Autumn Fair help new and entrepreneurial small businesses launch every year to the retail wholesale market. It’s our passion – partnering with #SBS is the perfect partnership. The #SBSEvent 2022 was a fantastic opportunity to meet the #SBS winners. The businesses, products, people and community is very special. Our team loved running the meet the expert sessions, meeting hundreds of people on our stand. We are excited to host Theo and the selected #SBS winners at Spring Fair in February 2023!”

Hear from DHL on being our partner: “As a partner to #SBS since its creation, we’re incredibly proud to be a part of this inspirational network. At DHL, we support businesses of all sizes to achieve international success through export, so the opportunity to meet and celebrate the achievements of small businesses, whether at the annual event or year round, is invaluable to us.”

Hear from Natwest on being our partner: “Working with #SBS has been a particular highlight over the last 18 months. As an organisation with such a broad focus on Enterprise under the brand of a high street bank, we are in danger of being a ‘best-kept-secret’ unless we partner with organisations who have ready-made networks of business owners. Being able to work with the fabulous (and I mean Fabulous) #SBS team to facilitate such a high level of engagement across physical and digital events, social media and our digital programmes. This has allowed us to support a hugely diverse range of industries, demographics, sizes and scales- regardless of where they bank and totally free of any charge. This not only supports awareness of what we do, but allows us to create and develop content and tools to support even more businesses than ever to thrive.”

Hear from iLaw on being our partner: “#SBSEvent2022 had a great buzz about it which everyone finds highly inspiring. As always, it’s been a great opportunity to renew contacts, make new ones, and build lasting relationships with small businesses.”

Hakim Group is home to many of the leading independent opticians and hearing practices in the UK & Ireland, serving local communities with our dedicated clinicians, helping individuals see better, hear better and live better.