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8 Dec 2022

Four in ten Britons dream of starting their own small business, with bookshops the most popular choice, according to new research by American Express Shop Small.

7 Dec 2022

During a tough economic climate with significant challenges for retailers, the Daily Telegraph has named 15 high streets around the country that it says, “retain a healthy selection of...

6 Dec 2022

The BBC has published comprehensive analysis of Ordnance Survey data that reveals the full extent of changes to Britain's High Streets after two years of Covid lockdowns and trading...

30 Nov 2022

Cycling UK has published its annual 100 Women in Cycling 2022 list celebrating inspirational women in cycling.

30 Nov 2022

Cycling in London has increased by 40% since the start of the pandemic, including a near-doubling of journeys by bike at the weekend, according to the newly published annual Travel in London...

29 Nov 2022

The Business Secretary, Grant Shapps, has announced that businesses are to be given a further two years to apply new product safety marking.

29 Nov 2022

A new survey of 2,000 British cyclists, which is part of a wider European report, claims that only just over a quarter of people in the UK think their local cycling infrastructure has improved...

28 Nov 2022

VOLT announces its new insurance collaboration with LAKA, three-time winners of the Best Cycle Insurance Provider category at the Insurance Choice Awards and pioneers of the ‘collective...

24 Nov 2022

According to a new survey, Cambridge is the best in the country for independent shopping to support small businesses. The study found that many of the city's small businesses turned out to be...

22 Nov 2022

Groups of independent retailers in York are to receive a £25,000 funding boost to help with promotion during the Christmas trading period and to attract more customers in 2023.

Bookshops most popular choice as 40% of Britons dream of starting their own small business

Posted on in Business News , Cycles News

Four in ten Britons dream of starting their own small business, with bookshops the most popular choice, according to new research by American Express Shop Small.

Bookshop owner

In the survey, cafés, fashion boutiques, restaurants and pubs made up the top five aspirational start-up businesses, with people most tempted by the prospect of having more independence (28%) and pursuing a passion (22%).

Though it remains a dream for many, those who have taken the plunge to run their own business are greatly admired, especially for their determination (57% said they admired this quality in owners of independent businesses), passion (56%) and their creativity (37%).

Top 10 dream businesses Brits would like to own:
1. Bookshop
2. Café
3. Fashion boutique
4. Restaurant
5. Pub
6. Record store
7. Bakery
8. Market stall
9. Gym
10. Hardware shop

Now in its tenth year, this year’s American Express Shop Small campaign aims to support small businesses by encouraging the nation to back their high street and enjoy the benefits of ‘shopping small’, whatever their budget.

Daniel Edelman, Vice President & UK General Manager, Merchant Services at American Express, said: “Many of the small business on our high street represent the fulfilment of someone’s dreams; although it can be incredibly rewarding, it takes a lot of hard work and determination. That’s why we’ve been running our Shop Small campaign in the UK since 2012 to celebrate these small business owners by encouraging everyone to shop small, whether on everyday purchases or a little festive treat.”

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