A new drive to grow the number of small businesses in the UK, through targeted support for side-hustles and start-ups, has been announced by Small Business Britain and eBay.
The new Side-Hustle Lab – a free, six-week online programme, designed to help people get started, scale up, and build successful businesses – will launch on 4th June.
With the number of small businesses falling by 9 percent over the last five years – from a peak of 6 million in 2020 to 5.45 million in 2024 – the organisations are jointly calling for greater support for start-ups, and particularly businesses starting life as side-hustles.
Posted: 3 June 2025
Following a strong period of wholesale growth across the UK, The British Hamper Company has announced ambitious plans to partner with over 170 retailers by the end of 2025.
The milestone reflects the increasing demand for the company's artisan food and drink range and a growing appetite for premium, British-made gifting products.
Since launching its own-brand retail range in Autumn 2024, the Lincolnshire-based business has seen more than 28,000 gift tins reach homes across the country. This consumer enthusiasm has translated into rising interest from stockists, with the wholesale division rapidly expanding its presence in key retail sectors.
The brand's award-winning range is already proving popular at leading garden centres.
Posted: 28 May 2025
