The annual #SBSEvent2024 took place at the end of February where 1,200 Small Business Sunday winners came together for a day full of inspiration, learning and motivation. The day started with networking, refreshments, breakout presentations and speed advice sessions. Everyone took to their seats when Theo Paphitis Retail Group CEO Kypros Kyprianou walked on stage, welcoming the winners as well as sponsors and organisers.
Kypros then introduced Theo to the stage. Theo said: “I’m delighted you’ve all joined me here today, with many of you travelling from all corners of the UK and beyond, to be here for the 11th #SBS Event – our biggest one yet! It’s so inspiring to see how much the network has grown over the years from being a kitchen counter idea I had in 2010 to one of the UK’s leading small business networks -and that success is solely down to the fantastic businesses in the network that makes it what it is.
“2023 was full of twists and turns, and I think many of you here today would agree with me in saying that 2023 was a year we all needed a lie down from. So, treat today as an opportunity to network with your fellow small businesses talk to our small business-centric partners and be inspired – you’ve earnt it.
“Today you’ll get to learn and be inspired by fellow #SBS winner, Susan Bonnar, on how she turned her idea into a £1m+turnover business.
“You’ll also hear from a panel of entrepreneurs who’ve achieved their milestones in a session chaired by NatWest’s Debbie Lewis. If that wasn’t enough, our new Headline Partner Google will be delivering you an exclusive hot off-the-press session on how you can incorporate Al into your business.
“We also have none other than the fantastic Stacey Solomon as this year’s Fireside Chat guest. Not only will I be talking to Stacey about all things small business, personal brands, social media, work-life balance and everything in between, but I’ll also be sharing some of my business insights with you all.
“Don’t be afraid to stick that hand up to ask a question!
“Finally, I’d like to take this opportunity to give a big thank you to the fantastic #SBS partners that bring this event to life – Google, NatWest, Ryman, Robert Dyas, Sum Up, Spring Fair, iLaw, UK Export Academy, DHL Express, HP and FreeAgent – as without them, today wouldn’t be possible!
“Take as much away from today as you can, and remember, have fun because today is all about you!”
Next to address the audience were Google, who brought proceedings bang up to date with a review on how to incorporate AI into business. They were followed by #SBS winner and founder of The British Craft House Susan Bonnar delivering an inspirational talk on her business journey. Following Susan was a panel debate chaired by NatWest’s Debbie Lewis.
Lunch and further networking followed, Theo then took to the stage to resume the afternoon’s itinerary, where he spoke about the #SBS Invest opportunity announced at last year’s event.
The final event was a ‘fireside chat’ with TV Icon, author, entrepreneur and Small Business Investor Stacey Solomon. Theo interviewed Stacey in what was regarded as being a hugely personable and motivational chat about investing in small businesses, building personal brands, social media and juggling the work-life balance as a Mum of 5.
The event finished with more networking, photos for new #SBS winners with Theo, and a strong feeling of positive accomplishment and renewed vigour for the 1,200 winners attending the event.
#SBS Small Business SundayUK-based small businesses can be in with a chance of gaining access to this exclusive event every year by entering #SBS Small Business Sunday every Sunday between 5.00pm – 7.30pm on Twitter or Instagram by tweeting/posting @theopaphitis using the hashtag #SBS or commenting under his #SBS is open Instagram post and using the hashtag #SBS.
Theo Paphitis retweets/reposts 6 small businesses a week to the growing network, now with over 4,000 #SBS winners in the network.
