TV Dragon and retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis will once again host his annual #SBS Small Business Sunday event – one of the UK’s leading small business initiatives. The free event will take place at the ICC Birmingham tomorrow (20th February 2026), marking the 16th year of #SBS and its 13th annual event. Backed by supporting partners, #SBS continues to recognise, empower and connect entrepreneurs across the nation.
For the first time, this year’s event will have an official theme: Resilience Rocks! The theme celebrates the determination, adaptability and spirit that unite the UK’s small business community. It will run through every part of the event – from practical sessions and keynote talks to networking and workshops – exploring how entrepreneurs overcome daily challenges such as managing finances, maintaining wellbeing and staying agile in uncertain times. Resilience Rocks! is a tribute to the people behind small businesses and the strength that drives them forward.
The mainstage line-up for this year’s event is second to none, featuring a session from TikTok Shop, a panel discussion titled ‘Small Business Stories: Resilience Rocks’, a pitch competition offering three members of our community the chance to win a share of £10,000 kindly donated by NatWest or receive business mentoring, a fireside chat with Katie Piper on all things small business and resilience and of course, our host, Theo Paphitis!
Theo Paphitis, said: “#SBS Small Business Sunday is about more than recognition – it’s about belief: belief in ideas, entrepreneurs, and the power of community. Our network now includes more than 4,500 members, and none of it would be possible without our incredible partners who share that belief and champion small businesses every step of the way. For 15 years, #SBS has given entrepreneurs a platform to celebrate and grow. When you back small businesses, you’re backing people, families, and futures.”
This year, #SBS is partnering with a line-up of industry leaders to support the initiative, including NatWest, Ryman, Robert Dyas, DHL, Spring & Autumn Fair, Hakim Group, Culbert Ellis, SumUp, FreeAgent, GS1 UK and Lifestyle.
On supporting #SBS Small Business Sunday Jon Neil; Interim Managing Director, Business Banking and International Retail, NatWest said “NatWest is proud to support #SBS Small Business Sunday and this year we’re delighted to offer #SBS winners the chance to pitch for a share of £10,000. As the bank that’s helping more businesses get started than any other, we’re here to support small businesses every step of the way. We’re pleased to continue our partnership with Theo and the #SBS team to help more small businesses build their path to growth.”
On supporting #SBS Small Business Sunday Chloe Danskin, Head of Marketing at Ryman said: “The #SBS community never fails to impress! It’s bursting with innovation, collaboration and unstoppable energy. Each event feels like a celebration of small business spirit and we’re thrilled to stand behind something that empowers so many brilliant entrepreneurs.”
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 continues to be one of the most uplifting business communities in the UK, and we’re incredibly proud to champion it. Every year we meet entrepreneurs whose creativity, resilience and passion remind us why supporting small businesses matters. #SBS opens the door to meaningful connections and keeps us closely tuned into the brilliant ideas shaping the future of UK enterprise.”
On supporting #SBS Small Business Sunday FreeAgent’s Laura Jenkins, Director of Small Business Marketing & Automation: “We’re excited to return to #SBSEvent2026 for a third year. Through our award-winning software, FreeAgent supports more than 200,000 small businesses to manage their admin, calculate payroll, submit taxes, track business performance, and get ready for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.”
On supporting #SBS Small Business Sunday Trina Scott-Priestley – Head of Retail Partnerships at Lifestyle, Part of Motivates said: ‘Lifestyle is committed to supporting small businesses as part of its vision to become the UK’s leading Multi‐Store Gift Card. Through its partnership with #SBS, Lifestyle is opening up the £7bn gift card market – traditionally inaccessible to many retailers – to potentially thousands of small business partners. The #SBS partnership has already delivered incremental revenue and increased brand awareness for many #SBS winners and Lifestyle are excited to build on this success for even more brand partners. As our community of small businesses grows, so does the value for both our partners and our consumers, creating a Multi-Store Gift Card built on genuine partnership.’
On supporting #SBS Small Business Sunday Andrea Glorioso, Key Account Manager at SumUp said: “SumUp is proud to stand alongside a community of inspiring small businesses whose drive and ambition energise everything we do. #SBSEvent2026 offers a fantastic opportunity to connect, share insights and gather valuable feedback that helps us better serve the entrepreneurs at the heart of our mission. Partnering with the Theo Paphitis Retail Group reinforces our commitment to championing and empowering the next generation of business leaders.”
On supporting #SBS Small Business Sunday a GS1 UK Anne-Marie Leech, Head of Membership, said: “Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the lifeblood of the UK economy, driving innovation, creating jobs and enriching our local communities. At GS1 UK, small businesses are at the very heart of our membership. As new and inspirational brands emerge, reshaping the way we shop and live, we are excited to meet them, champion their growth and stand alongside them on every step of their journey. We enjoyed helping so many founders at last year’s event and that’s why we are back again for the 2026 Small Business Sunday event.”
Jackson Szabo, Portfolio Director at Spring Fair said: “Spring Fair is incredibly proud to continue its partnership with #SBS Small Business Sunday and to play an active role in supporting the next generation of retail talent in the UK – since our partnership began we have helped over 70 small businesses. These businesses are the engine of innovation across our industry and giving them a place to be seen and scaled is central to our purpose. By offering #SBS winners the chance to secure a free stand at Spring Fair 2027, we’re helping founders take a vital step from start-up to national retail exposure, putting their products directly in front of thousands of buyers actively looking for newness. It’s a partnership rooted in belief, opportunity and shaping the future growth of UK retail together.”
On supporting #SBS Small Business Sunday Jenny Lau, Director at Culbert Ellis said: “After an exceptionally well-organised #SBSEvent2025 with standout speakers, we’re thrilled to sponsor 2026. #SBS embodies what we practise at Culbert Ellis: ‘Your Team in the Room’ – expert help, right when it’s needed. It’s a community that gets things done, and we’re proud to play our part.”
On supporting #SBS Small Business Sunday DHL’s Duncan Heron, VP Marketing UK & EU, said: “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and at DHL Express we’re dedicated to helping them thrive. As a proud #SBS partner, we’re here to support entrepreneurs as they scale. With expertise in global expansion, we can help UK businesses navigate new markets and unlock international possibilities.”
#SBSEvent2026 will take place in Birmingham tomorrow (20th February 2026), at the ICC in Birmingham. It is the 13th event since Theo Paphitis’ #SBS Small Business Sunday launched in 2010, and will be packed with the best and brightest of UK business.
To find out more about #SBS Small Business Sunday and #SBSEvent2026 email sbs@tpretailgroup.com or visit www.theopaphitissbs.com.
