More than 6,000 businesses have already signed up to support UK Small Business Week 2026 within days of its pre-launch campaign, with thousands more expected to join before the national movement officially begins next week.
The initiative, created by Nigel Botterill's Entrepreneurs Circle, is calling on Britain to get behind the small businesses keeping towns, high streets and local economies alive.
Running from June 1–7, UK Small Business Week aims to celebrate the real people behind Britain's independent businesses while encouraging consumers to actively support them.
"Small businesses are the people opening up early, staying late and taking risks every single day," said Botterill.
Posted: 28 May 2026
US hydration brand, Owala, has appointed Unify Brand Partnerships as its exclusive UK distributor, marking the brand's first dedicated retail and logistics base in Britain.
The partnership is designed to accelerate Owala's expansion into the UK's growing reusable-bottle market. The sector was forecast by Mintel's UK Water and Hydration Drinks Report Report (released in August 2023) to reach £733.5 million by 2032 in the UK.
Founded in 2020, Owala has rapidly become the best-selling water-bottle brand in the United States, recognised for its patented FreeSip® spout and bold colour palettes. The UK agreement with Unify Brand Partnerships allows expanded availability through major retailers, specialist lifestyle stores and e-commerce channels from mid-April 2026.
In the early stages of its appointment, Unify Brand Partnerships can confirm the onboarding of Brown Thomas and Arnotts in Ireland, Fenwick and Next in the UK.
Posted: 25 May 2026
Japanese writing instruments manufacturer Pentel (Stationery) Ltd., is celebrating raising more than £750,000 for men's health charity Prostate Cancer UK.
In 2009 Pentel became a corporate partner of what was then The Prostate Cancer Charity, donating part of the retail price of every sale of a ballpoint pen calledLinestyle. The product that really made the difference and helped to reach today's donation figure of over three quarters of a million Pounds isEnerGelXmRetractable, a white barrelled refillable rollerball pen with smooth flowing, ultra-quick-drying ink that resists smudging on hands and paper and is perfect for right and left-handed writers.
Posted: 20 May 2026
Well-loved British pottery firm Denby has appointed administrators following difficulties keeping up with rising costs.
The business has appointed FRP Advisory as administrators for Denby and Burgess & Leigh and will continue trading in administration.
Denby is said to be continuing discussions with interested parties of the sale of all or part of its business portfolio.
According to the Sun, Tony Wright, joint administrator of the Denby Group and partner at FRP, said: "Denby is one of Britain's most beloved and enduring pottery brands, with a heritage spanning more than two centuries and a loyal following across the UK and internationally.
Posted: 8 April 2026
The Giftware Association is thrilled to unveil the finalists for the Gift of the Year 2026 awards! After months of anticipation, hundreds of exceptional entries, and two rigorous rounds of judging by an esteemed panel of more than 120 industry experts, the very best products from across the home and gift world have been selected to move forward in the competition.
The Gift of the Year awards celebrate the most exciting a innovative successful products across 20 diverse categories, spanning Home Fragrance, Home & Kitchen, Games & Puzzles and many more. The 2026 competition has continued to evolve attracting brand new brands and exciting products and ranges cementing its reputation as one of the most influential awards programmes in the industry.
Posted: 16 March 2026
Labre's Hope, the award-winning non-profit dedicated to supporting young people experiencing homelessness, is proud to announce the arrival of a new cohort of beneficiaries.
The organisation, founded by Aaron Probert in South Yorkshire, continues its mission to provide life changing employment, stability, and social care to young people who need it most.
Through its unique model, Labre's Hope employs young people to handcraft its signature candles and soaps while also providing wrap around support from qualified social workers. This combination of paid work, skills development, and emotional support has helped transform the lives of dozens of young people since the organisation launched.
Posted: 9 March 2026
Crayola, a leader in colourful creative expression, has announced that it is increasing its commitment in the UK and Irish markets with the goal of doubling its business over the next three years and acting as a key growth engine for the European region.
The more than 120-year-old brand seeks to re-connect with British and Irish consumers and retailers through a direct distribution strategy, alongside investment in infrastructure, product innovation, and creative content.
Crayola's plan will empower parents and educators in the UK and Ireland to nurture creativity in children, ensuring they get the benefit of developing essential life skills that will help them reach their full potential.
Posted: 3 March 2026
Transaction Network Services (TNS), a global leader in providing full-stack, modern and secure payment and network solutions, has announced new research from its Keeping Payments Simple: Exploring Consumer Demand for Seamless Payment Methods white paper, highlighting how consumers in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States view payment technologies across key sectors.
While habits vary by country and demographic, the findings are clear: whether paying for parking, fuel, retail or other services, consumers want one thing above all else: simplicity.
"Consumers worldwide are telling us the same story: make payments simple," said John Tait, TNS' Global Managing Director for its Payments Market business.
Posted: 2 March 2026
EXG Pro, the creators of the globally recognised Cable Guys range, has confirmed the launch of its latest fan driven project onGamefound.
The campaign introduces the officially licensedXanatharCable Guy and integrated Dice Tower, inspired by one of the most notorious villains in Dungeons & Dragons lore, under license from Wizards of the Coast.
Designed as both a premium collectible and a functional desktop piece, theXanatharCable Guy is built to hold phones, controllers, remotes, and gaming essentials. Hidden within the sculpt is an integrated Dice Tower, allowing fans to roll directly fromXanathar'slair while immersing themselves in the world he dominates. The piece captures the beholder's imposing presence, obsessive paranoia, and unmistakable personality, withSylgarthe goldfish faithfully by his side.
Posted: 23 February 2026
Global apparel design and manufacturing specialist Dishang UK is marking its 20th anniversary with a significant investment in its new HQ offices and product showrooms. This underlines its long-term commitment to the UK and Europe as it relocates its headquarters to a landmark building in the heart of Yorkshire.
The award-winning subsidiary of Dishang Group has spent two decades building its reputation as a trusted manufacturing partner to some of the UK and Europe's largest brands across fashion, workwear, uniforms and performance apparel. What began as a small extension of Dishang Group's global operation has grown into a thriving UK hub delivering consistent 20 per cent year on year growth over the past 20 years.
Posted: 26 January 2026