Shining a light on Britain's micro business magic.

How two businesses are creating ripples of success & punching way above their (expected) weight by providing values based experiences.

We have a very specific hierarchy of business in the UK in terms of recognition and perceived impact. At one end, big is best because it's considered to employ more people, create more income and make more difference and at the other? Micro businesses with 0-9 employees, often not even being referenced with the right label and considered to be simply lifestyle businesses that are unlikely to create much income, employment or impact.

You won't be surprised that I have not only an opinion about this, but data to back up my perspective. Check out the latest ERC 'State of Small Business Britain' report infographic & note that micro business make a disproportionate contribution to job growth in the UK.

The perspective?

Micro business is creating impact across multiple key factors in the UK and we continue to ignore those things at our peril. From the significant local community impact that a micro business creates to the national economic benefit of 95% of all private enterprise being micro in size whcih in turn, contribute 24% of annual turnover. We know that micro business ownership provides employment that is flexible and human friendly. We also know that micros are often naturally more sustainable and likely to 'give back' from the outset.

To illustrate my point, here are the stories of two Simply Club members who are certainly punching way above their size and creating impact far beyond what you might imagine on first glance.

Village Green Cafe in Eyam, Derbyshire

Sara set up Village Green Cafe in the stunning and historical village of Eyam with a clear set of values that included high quality ingredients and innovative recipes to create delicious and sustaining food experiences in the heart of the Peak District. Sara also believed from the outset in the power of community building, collaboration and seeking out high quality, local suppliers who shared her values. With a consistent approach to 'lift up' other local businesses, Sara has been committed to being as sustainable as possible across all areas of the business too. After a recent refurbishment of the Cafe, supported by a dedicated and passionate team of staff, Village Green Cafe has now had a mention in the Good Food Guide UK for 2026. It's clear that the impact that Village Green Cafe has ripples far beyond the cake experiences of customers, wonderful as they are. Sara supports many local artists, creatives and suppliers who all benefit from the space and encouragement that she offers.

Simply Club now regularly host Meet Ups at Village Green every other month on a Wednesday morning. Find out more here.

Homeward Studio, Leek, Staffordshire

Nicky has been in the world of colour, pattern and design for decades, with years of experience working in London and her beloved market town of Leek in the Staffordshire Moorlands. Her studio offers an exceptional colour consultancy and design support as well as high end bespoke upholstery services and an inspiring studio space to enjoy and buy from. What may not be obvious as you stroll past her stunning studio window however, is her outstanding collection of British design collaborations, giving unique and special access to British design houses and paint studios that one might assume can only be found in London and the like. These collaborations not only provide a stunning opportunity for clients to create long lasting, timeless design for their homes and spaces, but also strengthens the British design ecosystem that isso valuable and sought after. Think Edward Bulmer Natural Paints and Ian Mankin fabrics just for starters. By building relationships, working entirely aligned to her values of long lasting, British design and sustainability, Nicky has created a micro business that has an impact right across the UK.

If you would like to understand more about Simply Club and how it supports micro business owners in the UK then visit our Club page or head to our member Directory, packed full of more examples of micros with considerable magic.