The search is on for the UK's Nation's Favourite Businesses, with applications closing on June 30, 2026. This initiative, a key part of Small Business Saturday UK, seeks to highlight businesses that foster community and economic growth. Businesses can submit entries detailing what makes them unique, alongside an image and short video, for consideration by the campaign's marketing teams.
This campaign, formerly known as SmallBiz100, has previously showcased over 1,000 diverse businesses. Past recipients have gained significant media exposure and even attended receptions at Downing Street and the House of Lords. For salon, barbershop, and beauty professionals, this presents a valuable opportunity to gain national recognition beyond local client engagement.
Michelle Ovens CBE, director of Small Business Saturday UK, highlights the campaign's role in celebrating small businesses across all sectors and locations. The application process requires businesses to articulate their distinctive qualities. While the campaign focuses on consumer recognition, the criteria for 'favourite' remain broad, leaving room for interpretation. The emphasis appears to be on a business's contribution to its community and the wider economy, a narrative many beauty businesses can compellingly tell.
