Britain told to “show up” for small business as 6,000+ firms join movement within days
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.
“They create jobs, support local communities and keep this country moving.
“And yet right now many business owners feel like they’re being squeezed from every direction.
“That’s exactly why we created UK Small Business Week.”
Businesses across the UK are being encouraged to get involved, put themselves on the map and proudly show they are part of Britain’s small business community.
Consumers are also being urged to “show up” by shopping local, supporting independents and backing the businesses that make towns and communities feel alive.
The campaign has already attracted thousands of businesses before launch week has even begun, with organisers expecting momentum to grow significantly over the coming days.
Botterill said the response so far showed just how strongly many business owners feel about the need to support Britain’s SME community.
“Big businesses have giant marketing budgets and teams of people focused on visibility,” he said.
“Small businesses often have an owner trying to do the social media after locking up at night.
“But they’re the businesses sponsoring local football teams, employing local people and holding communities together.
“They deserve backing.
“So this is a genuine call to arms.
“If you run a business, get involved.
“If you buy from businesses, show up.
“Because every time somebody chooses to support a small business, they’re supporting a real person, a real family and somebody who has taken a risk to build something.”
Businesses and supporters can find out more or register free via https://entrepreneurscircle.org/sbw//