George Phillips, Owner of Phillips Hobbies
Firm highlighted at event for inspiring UK entrepreneurs ahead of Small Business Saturday.
George Phillips, Owner of Phillips Hobbies was one of hundreds of small businesses joining a special reception at the House of Lords on Monday, to celebrate Small Business Saturday this weekend.
Taking place on 2nd December, the campaign celebrates small business success and encourages people to ‘shop local’ and support businesses in their communities.
Hosted by Small Business Saturday, in partnership with the campaign’s founder and principal supporter American Express, the event at parliament honoured Phillips Hobbies as part of this year’s SmallBiz100.
The SmallBiz100 is a line-up of 100 brilliant small businesses from all over the country, which have been spotlighted in the lead-up to Small Business Saturday.
George was featured in recognition of his inspiring entrepreneurial journey, which has seen him turn his passion for collecting into a growing business.
The House of Lords event kicks off a week of celebrations ahead of Small Business Saturday, as it marks its second decade in the UK.
George Phillips said: “It was an exciting and proud moment when I discovered Phillips Hobbies had made the SmallBiz100 line-up this year. Having started the business at a young age with little more than passion and optimism, recognition by the campaign is beyond my wildest imagination.
Being invited to celebrate at the House of Lords alongside some of the top small businesses in the nation was a true honour – albeit somewhat daunting!
I was so inspired listening to the stories of other entrepreneurs, and from these conversations, one thing is clear: the business climate remains challenging for all, and small firms require more love and support than ever before. I urge everyone to demonstrate affection for their favourite small businesses this Saturday and remember to shop with them as much as possible throughout the year.”
Small business owners from this year’s SmallBiz100 line-up and MPs from across the political spectrum came together at the reception, with both Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Technology and the Digital Economy Saqib Bhatti and the Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Industrial Strategy Jonathan Reynolds speaking at the event and meeting many entrepreneurs.
Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK, said: “We really enjoyed hosting this special event at the House of Lords and marking the successes of Phillips Hobbies as well as seeing Small Business Saturday into its second decade in the UK.
“Small businesses are facing many challenges across the UK at the moment, and the aim of the campaign has always been to encourage entrepreneurs, boost support and highlight the hugely positive impact of these firms on society and the wider economy.”
A grassroots, not-for-profit campaign, Small Business Saturday was originally founded by American Express in the U.S. in 2010. American Express remains the principal supporter of the campaign in the UK, as part of its ongoing support of the UK high street and commitment to encouraging consumers to shop small.
On Small Business Saturday, customers across the UK go out and support all types of small businesses, online, in offices and in stores; from independent shops and restaurants to small service and b2b businesses like accountants and plumbers.
This weekend Phillips Hobbies will be marking the campaign by running special promotions, telling their story, and highlighting some of the small businesses they work with on social media.
Running for over a decade, Small Business Saturday is the UK’s most successful business campaign, engaging millions around the value of small businesses and seeing billions of pounds spent with small firms on the day.
Small Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake said: “The innovation and talent of firms like Phillips Hobbies are vital to our economy and prosperity and it is right that we celebrate the incredible achievements that they’ve made.”
“Small businesses are an irreplaceable part of our local communities which is why our recent Autumn Statement for growth is supporting them with a business rates support package worth £4.3 billion.”
