Baroness Helen Newlove
“The importance of small independent businesses has been highlighted significantly in the recent lockdown. For many, the local corner shop has been a lifeline, and I am excited to join this campaign & event”
Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson
“Independent businesses are a huge part of our economy, but they also make up the heart of community. I am delighted to support Indie Business Live.”
Rory Bremner
“Small businesses are often the dreams of innovative creators. They come to life with energy and support- that’s what we need to give them now”
Cherie Blair
“I’m celebrating Indie Business Live to say thank you to the millions of small businesses in the UK who make the difference. I founded the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women to support women entrepreneurs in low and middle income countries, and as we enter what will be an extremely challenging time for many businesses, it is important that we come together to empower and support each other.
Indie Business Live is the creation of two women who identified the need to do more to bring awareness and support for our 5.82 million small businesses in the UK. Through their small business they give back time and expertise to others, and as Coronavirus has had a devastating effect on so many organisations, particularly smaller businesses, they have worked quickly to galvanise vital support and representation for small business owners across all regions and sectors.”
Baroness Sayeeda Warsi
“Small businesses are the backbone of the UK’s economy, and during Covid-19, many acted as an additional emergency service, proving essentials at the point of need.”
Craig Whittaker MP
“After starting out as a Greengrocer, then later going on to work in managerial positions in a number of large retailers such as Wilkos and PC World before becoming an MP, I am delighted to promote the importance of supporting our small local businesses. They are the backbone of our economy and, as we begin on the road to recovery from coronavirus, they play a particularly important role and need supporting as much as possible. I encourage everyone to get behind our local businesses and shop closer to home.”
Craig Whittaker, Member of Parliament for Calder Valley.
Yvette Cooper MP
“Local shop workers and business owners have been working incredibly hard to put safety measures in place so that shops can open again. We have great local shops in our area so it is more important than ever at the moment to shop local and support our local high streets.”
Yvette Cooper, Member of Parliament for Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford.
Jason McCartney MP
“Before the Covid pandemic I was always a champion for small businesses in my constituency – they are the life blood of our communities. But now more than ever we need to show our support for small business owners and that’s why I’m proud to be ‘Indie Biz Ambassador’ ahead of Indie Business Live, the UKs leading festival to celebrate independent business.”
Jason McCartney, Member of Parliament for Colne Valley.
Paul Wayne Gregory
“As an independent business that has had to adjust my working structure, this is a fantastic opportunity to be a part of something like this, especially with the time that we’re in.”
Robert Buckland MP
Member of Parliament for South Swindon. Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice.
Network She
Supporting you Professionally, Personally, Emotionally & Socially
Exclusively for women who mean business, Network She creates opportunities and opens doors to a wide range of resources, support services and solution providers via our extensive network of contacts and associates from across the country and beyond. With a growing portfolio of platforms for you to use to share best practice and experiences, gain confidence and develop skills ensuring you can be the very best you can be.
Founded in 2007 by Ruth Lloyd-Williams, this year Network She will be celebrating 13 years of making a difference, creating connections, opening doors and supporting women as they develop themselves and their business.
Network She strives to continue to bring motivation, inspiration, opportunity and fun to the women who mean business.
Julie Marson MP
Member of Parliament for Herford and Stortford.
Addington Capital
“Addington Capital is a UK-wide investor and manager in retail, offices and residential property and we fully appreciate the value that independent businesses bring to our high streets and communities. We’re pleased to support Indie Business Live, a much-needed support for UK small businesses.“
Tim Cornford, Partner, Addington Capital
Steve Collinge
Steve is Managing Director of Insight Retail Group and Executive Editor of Insight DIY, Steve has completed 30 years in the Home Improvement industry and is today both an international speaker, thought-leader and independent commentator on the retail industry.
Tim Mulhall
Tim has had a varied career leading teams and business units within UK businesses. Since 1999 he’s been active in the small business sector, when he founded an e-commerce retailer. As Chief Operating Officer of Hornby Hobbies, he champions the partnerships the company has with suppliers and retailers.
Jay Flynn
“I’m delighted to be an Indie Business Live Ambassador as I want to say a massive thank you to the millions of businesses in the UK that make a difference.”
Jay Flynn, creator & presenter Jay’s Virtual Pub Quiz.
Kevin Stone
Kevin is an accomplished Sales and Marketing Director, leader and mentor equipped with a commanding track record of conceiving and turning innovative marketing ideas and business solutions into actuality within the heritage and fashion lifestyle industries. Successful in identifying and recognising gaps in the market, building and rebuilding teams and businesses, utilising global commercial acumen and a wealth of industry contacts to capitalise on such opportunities.
Alex Holmes
Alex is a senior youth charity manager working with some of the biggest brands in the world as well as developing strong relationships with local communities and independents. During lockdown he has been behind one of the largest online pub quizzes, with Lancastrian Jay Flynn and The Virtual Pub Quiz, gaining the world record for largest online quiz with over 180,000 households across the nation joining in. Alex was has featured on The Independent on Sunday’s Happy List as one of 50 people who make Britain a happier place.
Partners
Advantage Travel Group
“Our independent travel agent members have played a significant role during the pandemic. Across the country human travel agents in 100s of businesses have kept 1000s of customers informed, giving them guidance and advice, whilst managing their existing and future travel bookings.”
Julia Lo Bue-Said, CEO
SPECS Network
“SPECS Network represents over 800 independent opticians, across the UK all of whom deliver a trusted local service to their communities. We’re proud to support Indie Business Live and the UKs 5.82m small businesses.”
Richard Hollings, General Manager
Reel Cinema
“Reel Cinemas is one of the largest independent UK cinema exhibitors , operating 14 cinemas across the UK since 2000.
Our ambitious plans focus on delivering a multiplex experience at affordable prices for local people in communities across the UK . This includes opening a further 10 cinemas, with our own dessert and pick & mix brands (Cream & Cones and Sweet Barrels), throughout the UK, over the next five years.
We’re delighted to join Indie Business Live in supporting the UKs 5.82m small businesses.”
K C Suri, Founder & Managing Director, Reel Cinemas
Farm Retail Association
The Farm Retail Association (FRA) champions the best farm shops and farmers’ markets from across the UK. We are proud to support and inspire the people and businesses who grow and sell Great British food. Whatever area of farm retail you are from, we are here to help you and your business.
“Indie Business Live is a fantastic initiative that we’re proud to support. Recent times have shown just how important independent businesses are to the local economy and local communities – this is a fantastic way to celebrate them and raise awareness about their products and services. The hard work and long hours often go unrecognised and it’s wonderful to be able to support these creative and passionate business owners.” Jenny Rose, Manager, Farm Retail Association
CNG
CNG is a multi-award-winning business energy supplier, trusted for delivering outstanding customer service and committed to putting the customer first for over 25 years.
CNG Switch
CNG Switch is a UK-based energy broker, helping businesses save time and money on their utilities and card processing services.
Retail Jeweller Magazine
“With the jewellery sector in the UK being home to so many independent retailers, Retail Jeweller is delighted to partner with Indie Business Live and celebrate all that is unique about independent businesses.”
Ruth Faulkner, editor, Retail Jeweller
Colour Heroes
Colour Heroes offers an illustration, design and print service for bespoke activity packs, sheets, bags, books and maps, supplying restaurants, pubs, attractions and museums across the UK.
Corecom
Corecom Consulting provides award winning IT Recruitment services and boasts partnerships with some of Yorkshire’s most reputable educational institutions and charities.
Marketing Lancashire
Marketing Lancashire is a not for profit organisation working in the interest of a prosperous Lancashire. All Partner fees are reinvested into promotional activity for the county, to develop Lancashire into a leading leisure, learning and business destination for domestic and international visitors, to enhance the national and international reputation of the county and promote sustainable economic development and growth.
“The importance of small independent businesses has been highlighted significantly in the recent lockdown. For many, the local corner shop has been a lifeline, and I am excited to join this campaign & event”
Baroness Helen Newlove