Blackpool Arts organisation recognised as one of UKs 100 most exciting small businesses

‘Aunty Social’ in Blackpool has recently been named as one of the nation’s 100 most impressive small firms by the Small Business Saturday UK campaign, as the campaign makes a wider call to encourage public support for small businesses. 

Aunty Social Community Interest Company (CIC) is a community arts organisation that gives people opportunities to develop their creativity, learn new skills and connect with others through positive art activities. It was founded in 2011 by a group of friends looking for fun, social and affordable creative events to attend in their home town.

In 2022, they opened their town centre premises on Topping Street, Blackpool, now home to their much-loved retail space, showcasing products from over 60 local artists, makers and designers.

Following a nationwide search by the Small Business Saturday UK campaign, the Blackpool business has been selected as part of this year’s SmallBiz100 line-up, which showcases 100 of the most impressive independent businesses from across the nation as part of the count-down to Small Business Saturday on 7 December 2024.

Running in the UK for over a decade, Small Business Saturday is the UK’s most successful small business campaign, taking place each year on the first weekend in December. It celebrates small businesses, encouraging consumers to 'shop local' and to support businesses in their communities. 

Customers across the UK go out and support all types of small businesses, from independent shops and restaurants to small service and b2b businesses like accountants and plumbers. Many small businesses take an active role in promoting the day by hosting events and offering promotions. 

Aunty Social has been profiled by the national campaign across social media as part of the 100-day countdown to Small Business Saturday UK. The organisation has also been invited to the House of Lords on 2 December for a ‘Celebration of Small Biz 100’ event.

Joe Booth, Director of Aunty Social, said: “We’re really excited about being named in this year’s SmallBiz100 line-up. We’ve had a great two years in our new home on Topping Street, and have been following SmallBiz100 for the past five years. To be included, with so many other brilliant businesses from across the UK is a real privilege. We’re hoping it will help highlight Blackpool’s high street. There are so many small and independent businesses returning and thriving here, proving that Blackpool’s high street is definitely alive.”

“It’s great to celebrate Aunty Social as part of this year’s campaign,” said Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK.

“This year’s SmallBiz100 list shows the huge contribution small businesses make to their communities and the wider UK economy. Despite the economy turning a corner, the nation’s small businesses continue to feel the fallout of a challenging few years and still need significant support to get back on their feet. Small Business Saturday is all about getting the nation to come out in force and show its love for our local businesses.”

Blackpool Council itself has provided support for Small Business Saturday in previous years. Also, in addition to Aunty Social receiving direct funding from the council in the past, the council has also invested in the Topping Street area where Aunty Social is located to regenerate it through the Blackpool Investment Fund.  

Cllr Mark Smith, Blackpool Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Built Environment said: “I am delighted for Aunty Social. It is great to see a smaller organisation get recognition for their success. It is also good news for the town and the business community to see what a small business can achieve.

“There is a lot of investment taking place in Blackpool and to see thriving organisations and businesses such as this is really positive news.”

With a mission to support and celebrate the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses, Small Business Saturday is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign. It was originally founded by American Express in the U.S. in 2010, and the brand remains the principal supporter of the campaign in the UK. 

Since the UK campaign started in 2013, it has reached millions of people and seen billions spent with small businesses on the day itself, with impact that lasts all year round. 

1. Aunty Social Directors – Left to right: Louise Ashcroft, Joe Booth, Catherine Mugonyi (Image Credit - Donna Hannigan)