Funny Business! This Year’s 10 Cleverest Small Company Names
From hairdressing salons called Curl Up & Dye to Get Stuffed food takeaways, humorous business names raise a much-needed smile on our high streets.
In fact, there’s now an award for the best! And this year’s winners have just been announced.
Eggucation, a Sheffield-based ethical school chick hatching project business, has been crowned by the public as Britain’s Best Small Business Name for 2023.
The competition by SME insurance provider Simply Business was launched to celebrate the wit, creativity and humour of the nation’s small business owners. Eggucation will receive a £2,500 grant from Simply Business, aimed at supporting its business growth.
Last year Perky Blenders, a London-based speciality coffee roaster, beat more than 2000 other punnily-named small businesses to be presented with the hotly contested accolade.
This year, Eggucation picked up 21% of the total votes, beating competition from the likes of It Started with a Stitch and Leaky Finders Ltd.
Top 10 list for 2023
- Eggucation, Sheffield – Ethical school chick hatching projects
- It Started With a Stitch, Grimsby – Craft and embroidery specialist
- Leaky Finders Ltd, Brixham – Locomotive engineers
- Grout of This World, Suffolk – Tiler
- Sweeping Beauty, Paisley, Scotland – Cleaning services
- For Paws Truly, Portsmouth – Natural dog treats
- Pipe Down, Norwich – Heating and plumbing specialists
- Top Of The Clops, Wellington – Online equestrian store
- Up The Garden Bath, Huntingdon – Upcycling unwanted waste materials to garden planters
- Herstorical Tours, Crystal Palace – Theatrical walking tours of London where women’s history is brought to life
Egg-citing times
With over 10 years’ experience enhancing science and STEM education with their ethical schools hatching projects, Eggucation provides high quality and ethically-sound enrichment experiences in schools right across the UK.
A passionate team of rare-breed poultry breeders, the company looks to provide schools with ‘Conservation in the Classroom‘ experiences.
Deb Howe, Founder of Eggucation said, “It was a thrill just to be nominated as part of the Simply Business’ competition to find Britain’s best small business name. But to win is absolutely fabulous. I’m humbled by the support both from the public and my clients.
“The name is easy to remember, unique and most importantly, always brings a smile to people’s faces.
“It’s helped bring to life my ambition for the business, which is to give young people the opportunity to make real and memorable links to nature, sustainable food and farming.
“I would love every school to share this eggsperience. The £2,500 prize money from Simply Business will really help me continue to educate students on a message close to my heart.”
More than just a bit of fun…
Simply Business’ study of 2,000 consumers revealed that a witty or funny business name can play a huge role in helping small businesses succeed. One-third (28%) of people stated they’d be more likely to shop at a small or local business with a funny or witty business name compared to those without.
Two-thirds (64%) of people would also be more likely to notice a small or local business with a funny or witty business name.
Small businesses are vital to local communities. Particularly since the pandemic people are noticeably preferring to shop small rather than at larger chains.
Given the choice, nearly nine in ten (88%) people prefer to shop at small, local, or independent businesses when compared to larger chains, or a mixture of small businesses together with larger chains.
An incredible impact
Alan Thomas, UK CEO at Simply Business, said, “We’re incredibly proud to provide tailored insurance to over 800,000 creative and diverse SMEs across the UK.
“The impact a memorable name can have on your business is incredible. Our research showed that people are really warm to small businesses who have shown their personality through an imaginative name. Eggucation is a worthy winner of our annual competition.”
Alan added, “SMEs have been hit harder than most in recent years, so it is nice to have an opportunity to celebrate them.
“With close to six million small businesses across the UK, they are the lifeblood of our communities. Collectively they provide trillions of pounds to the UK economy. It is a real pleasure to award Eggucation a £2,500 grant to support their business journey.”
