Far from faceless corporations, small businesses are defined by the people who founded, nurtured and worked their way to success. So we got up close and personal and asked these entrepreneurs to tell their stories – revealing the personalities, experiences and motivations behind Britain’s small businesses.
This is Ade, founder of Nubian Skin – a small business that makes lingerie and hosiery for skin of all tones. Ade wants her fashion business to make a material difference: “It’s really important to me that people know they matter, their skin tone matters and that they are represented.”
Meet Steven, the creative mind behind Future Kings – one of London’s fastest-growing creative agencies. He believes good design is good for business, so he puts his team to work for brands to help them grow. He says: “I want to make the world a better place through great design.”
Laura is the Kernel-in-Chief of Popcorn Shed – a fast-growing small business that makes great-tasting snacks. Laura loves running her own company, and following in the footsteps of her entrepreneurial father: “I always wanted to nurture something from the very beginning and watch it grow.”
Introducing Gabriel, the skilled hand behind The Italian Plumber. When he leaves the homes of his customers, he knows he’s made a positive difference: “I’m adding value to people’s lives and their properties, and that makes me feel like I’m doing something really important for the community.”
This is Sidonie, the graphic designer behind Papersmiths – a growing retail business. Her dream is to inspire creativity with beautiful literature, maps and creative tools: “I want to bring inspiration to people, and with Papersmiths we do that by bringing the tools that people need to create.”
The small business owners featured in this series all use Xero – online accounting software that helps them to save time and get paid faster. It’s a helping hand that makes it easier to run your business and write your own story.
Learn more