Small business owners from across the UK are taking a new training course which aims to help them to boost growth and fight back against current economic challenges. Over 5,000 small business owners took part in eBay’s free ‘eBay Elevate’ programme, run in partnership with Small Business Britain, which has seen success in helping Britain’s small firms to accelerate sales and counteract the tough financial climate.
Jan Tait, owner of Amaviti Jewellers, has celebrated her 1000 sale milestone since joining the Elevate programme, and shares how bringing in fresh perspectives has supported her business growth. “I put together a new business plan a few days after doing the course and it has helped me to change my approach to growing my business. I’m now much more conscious about goal setting and am currently ensuring I am well positioned to apply for more funding,” says Jan.
"I’ve built my business up from my love of finding hidden treasures, to a thriving enterprise that supports my family and helps people to shop more sustainably for jewellery and give timeless pieces a new lease of life. It’s been an amazing journey, but to get to this level it’s been important to bring in outside support.”
Hosted over six months, eBay Elevate included a series of training events and webinars featuring insights on everything from building a rock-solid business plan to mastering social media on a budget. Stephen Penistone, owner of High Street Brands 4 Less, said the programme has supported his business’ international growth, which has scaled from small roots to a turnover of over £700k.
“Our business started by accident after I was ill and recovering from ME. The business has grown to heights I could never have imagined,” says Stephen. “I’m a big believer in the importance of not standing still. Being an entrepreneur, and working from home, can be isolating. It’s important to keep learning new things and not get bogged down in just running the business. The programme was full of useful insight, particularly around trading online during a downturn. It has helped me identify new focus areas for growth, such as social media.”
Michelle Ovens CBE, founder of Small Business Britain added: “The last few years have been an incredibly tough period for small businesses. In the current flat market, with costs rising and consumer demand struggling, firms often need support to find ways to diversity, adapt and bring in new income. The Elevate programme was designed to offer small firms this extra firepower and it’s wonderful to hear about the numbers of businesses benefitting and the boost this has driven.”
High Street Brands 4 Less also benefited from grant funding from the eBay Business Roadshow, which ran in partnership with Small Business Britain in 12 UK locations across the last 18 months. Nearly 200 small businesses that attended these roadshows have benefited from grants and support packages worth over £1m, and winners have also received a year of 1-2-1 mentoring with an eBay ambassador to help them accelerate growth.
Eve Williams, General Manager, eBay UK said: “We know what a difference it can make to have the right encouragement, support, and empowerment to turn a passion into a thriving business. We are so pleased to hear about the impact that the Elevate programme has had in guiding business owners to grow while navigating continued challenges.”
