New online hub is a one-stop-shop for small business support
A new online first-of-its-kind platform has been launched which offers a one-stop-hub for crafters and makers looking to build their small business.
The I Do Handmade Hub is the brainchild of Becky Ackerman, a thirty-something mum from West London who has run her own small business for over a decade alongside her mum Wendy.
Small businesses who sign up to The Hub will get access to a live feed of business opportunities that aims to help grow their businesses quicker and easier.
The Hub includes access to 1,000+ markets across the UK to book stalls at, and details of 130+ physical shops or stockists that welcome small business products to their shelves. It also brings together hundreds of events, workshops, networking opportunities and courses that are going on across the UK, all designed with business owners in mind.
Hub members will also be able to tap into a live feed of media requests to help give their brand press coverage and use the ‘Ask an expert’ tool to submit questions to an accountant, a lawyer and many other subject matter experts to help move their business forwards.
Members also have a place to connect, collaborate and discuss ideas to help brands feel supported and get any burning questions answered. In addition, members receive discounts on stall bookings for pop-up events hosted by I Do Handmade – including one at the Ideal Home Show in London this Christmas! I Do Handmade has previously run successful pop-ups at Westfield London, London Waterloo station and Lakeside Shopping Centre in Essex amongst others.
Over 100 small businesses signed up to The Hub in the first month alone. Over 2,000 opportunities are already listed online, and the total is growing daily.
Becky says: “Starting a small business can be incredibly challenging. I wanted The Hub to give businesses what I wish I had when I got started. A place that collates all the opportunities out there into one place and – most importantly – a lifeline of friendship and support to help you feel less alone.
“While there are lots of business owners out there who are on a similar journey – and have probably asked the same questions – finding them and connecting with them isn’t easy.
“We search the internet daily for the latest events, workshops, tools, discounts that might be helpful for business owners to be aware of and are creating a safe place to ask questions to really help grow people’s businesses.
“We do all the leg work, meaning that The Hub can become a regular part of your routine, where you can check-in daily, every other day or weekly to see which new listings are suitable for your business. Nothing else exists like this at the moment, and we’re really proud of the community we’re building.”
Isma Mahmood, founder of postable cookie company The Purple Spatula says: “The Hub is great – it’s very user-friendly and easy to navigate. I’ve been selling products for less than a year so am trying to get my brand out there, and I know it’ll be a great help.”
By Suz is a small business based in London, which creates hand crafted jewellery that is responsibly made. Susie Aristidou, the founder, was one of the first to join The Hub. She says: “While connecting with like-minded people on a similar journey, it’s a great place to explore new opportunities, and find lots of solutions and tips too. It’s a true trove for small business owners!”
Find out more about I Do Handmade or sign up to the Hub.