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Posted: Tue 21st Jan 2025
Running a small business is no small feat, especially in today's challenging climate. Yet entrepreneurs across the UK continue to show extraordinary resilience and creativity.
It's this resilience that Enterprise Nation and VistaPrint sought to celebrate and support through their Realising the Remarkable grant competition.
With over 4,000 applicants vying for a share of the £60,000 grant fund, the competition highlights the sheer determination and innovation of the UK's small business community.
From this impressive pool, 40 businesses were shortlisted and, ultimately, 20 winners were selected based on their inspiring visions for growth and positive impact.
Founder Millie Flemington-Clare is leading the charge in the beauty industry with Human Beauty, a company focused on creating accessible make-up solutions.
Millie's plans for the grant epitomise the creativity and inclusivity that define this year's winners.
She says:
"I'm delighted to have been chosen as one of the winners of the programme this year, which will enable Human Beauty to continue to grow and positively impact the local community.
"Marketing and building brand awareness will be a key focus of the business next year, so we're excited to use the grant to hire disabled influencers for a marketing campaign, expanding our reach and supporting disabled self-employed individuals."
LUX LUZ, an eco-friendly candle business in Hampshire, is not just about creating beautiful, sustainable products.
It's also a beacon of hope, supporting survivors of domestic violence.
This blend of environmental consciousness and social impact showcases the kind of purpose-led entrepreneurship that is shaping the future of UK small businesses.
Owner Sophie Arup says:
"We're absolutely honoured to win this grant. It'll make such a huge difference to our social enterprise, not only to help us produce and market more of our candles and reed diffusers, but also to have a bigger impact supporting vulnerable women affected by domestic violence."
In Bristol, Freelance Mum is making waves by creating a supportive community for mothers in business across the UK.
Its innovative approach to fostering collaboration and empowerment among entrepreneurial mothers highlights the diversity of this year's winners.
Founder Faye Dicker says:
"I couldn't believe it when I found out I'd won the award – the timing really couldn't have been any better.
"The grant means I'm able to launch our first hub in Wales and really support even more mums in business. I wouldn't be able to launch it without it. I'm absolutely over the moon!"
Based near Cambridge, Give Your Best is tackling the dual issues of clothing poverty and fashion waste.
This purpose-driven business exemplifies the growing trend among entrepreneurs to create ventures that give back to society.
With the grant, founder Sol Escobar aims to further the company's mission of providing much-needed clothing to those in need while addressing environmental concerns.
Ali McAleavy, ZIG+STAR
Anna Smit, Studio Koter
Annette Christian, Yes Gurl
Caroline Roper, The Atlantic Vineyard
Christina Wigmore, Social Gallery CIC
Courtney Ismain, Jamii
Emily Orlik, NINA
Faye Dicker, Freelance Mum
Jattu Kallon, Bold Kidswear
Jess Bradshaw, Climb Snowdonia CIC
Keisha Ehigie, Imagine Me Stories
Mark Chikowe, Rich Roe Records
Millie Flemington-Clare, Human Beauty
Milly Fyfe, No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents CIC
Saima Duhare, It's Halal
Sol Escobar, Give Your Best
Sophie Arup, LUX LUZ Candles
Tolani Agoro, Chapmans of London
Umutoni Thuku-Benzinge, Umutoni
Wendy Brobbey, Aduwham
These inspiring winners are part of a broader trend: the small business sector's growing role in driving the UK economy.
According to recent research by VistaPrint, two-thirds (66%) of small business owners believe they are pivotal to the nation's innovation and growth.
From reinvesting profits to launching ambitious marketing campaigns, entrepreneurs are laying the foundation for a brighter economic future.
But challenges remain. Marketing costs, rising prices of materials and limited access to finance are hurdles that many small businesses face.
That's why initiatives like Realising the Remarkable are so crucial. By providing targeted support and funding, this competition allows businesses to overcome these obstacles and thrive.
Emma Jones CBE, Enterprise Nation's founder and CEO, perfectly captures the essence of the programme:
"Realising the Remarkable does exactly what it says on the tin. It helps people take their fledgling ideas to the next level and inspires the next generation of brilliant start-ups and small businesses to grow and realise their remarkable potential.
"It's fascinating to see that this year it's supporting a fresh new cohort of businesses that are motivated by purpose, and community interest companies (CICs)."
Katie Eldred, UK country manager of VistaPrint, says:
"We're delighted to announce the winners of this year's Realising the Remarkable programme.
"We've been overwhelmed by the positive response to the programme this year, and it was wonderful to see the variety of sectors small businesses in the UK are contributing to.
"It's been even more encouraging to see how many of the winning businesses are focused on giving back to their local communities."
As we move into 2025, the positive outlook among small business owners is palpable. Over 40% anticipate growth in the next 12 to 24 months, with Gen Z entrepreneurs leading the charge.
Thanks to programmes like Realising the Remarkable, these businesses are not only surviving but thriving – proving that with the right support, the remarkable is within reach.
