Small March firm proves it’s more than a hobby as it joins prestigious list of companies
A specialist hobby firm has proved a model of success after being shortlisted in a national campaign.
Phillips Hobbies, based in March, has been selected as one of the nation’s 100 most impressive small firms by the Small Business Saturday UK campaign.
The online model and hobby shop was founded by George Phillips in 2016.
Following a nationwide search, it has been chosen as part of this year’s SmallBiz100 line-up, which showcases 100 of the most inspiring independent businesses from across the nation.
George said: “I am immensely proud that Phillips Hobbies was selected for this year's SmallBiz100. Having started the business at a young age with little more than passion and optimism, now being recognised alongside some of the best small firms in the country is beyond my wildest imagination.
“The Small Business Saturday campaign is a brilliant initiative to remind us all how important it is to shop small not only on the 2nd of December but throughout the entire year.
“I am thrilled for more people to find out about what I’m doing at Phillips Hobbies and the vast range of Diecast collectables, model railway supplies, and jigsaw puzzles on offer, many of which are sourced from small companies across the UK.”
George has also been invited to a special afternoon reception at the House of Lords to celebrate this year’s SmallBiz100.
Phillips Hobbies will be featured in the campaign on Sunday (26) as part of the 100-day countdown to Small Business Saturday UK.
“It’s fantastic to celebrate Phillips Hobbies as part of this year’s campaign” said Michelle Ovens, director of Small Business Saturday UK.
She added: “The impressive small businesses featured in this year’s SmallBiz100 sum up the phenomenal contribution that small firms make to our economy and local communities.”
Small Business Saturday will return on December 2, with a mission to support and celebrate the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses. With small firms facing huge challenges due to the cost-of-living crisis, the campaign is more vital than ever as it moves into its second decade in the UK.
Small Business Saturday is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which celebrates small business success and encourages consumers to 'shop local' and to support businesses in their communities.
The campaign 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.
On Small Business Saturday customers across the UK go out and support all types of small businesses, from independent boutiques and eateries to small service and b2b based businesses like wholesalers and digital marketers. Many small businesses take an active role in promoting the day by hosting events and offering promotions.
Over the time the campaign has run in the UK it has engaged millions of people each year and seen over billions of pounds spent with small businesses across the UK on Small Business Saturday.
Small Business Saturday attracts huge attention on the day itself, with an impact that lasts all year. Last year the campaign trended at number one in the UK on social media platform X (formally Twitter), with the Prime Minister and the Mayor of London among those publicly supporting the campaign.
Over 90% of local councils also supported the campaign.
To get involved in Small Business Saturday UK visit https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com
To find out more about Phillips Hobbies visit https://www.phillipshobbies.co.uk
