Key Takeaways:
- TikTok forms its first SME Council in the UK to help small businesses grow.
- The council includes 20 diverse businesses from across the UK.
- Members will create a manifesto to influence policies for SME growth.
- Success stories show TikTok’s impact on boosting sales and reaching new customers.
- TikTok Shop is growing fast, helping small businesses sell online.
- Small businesses are using TikTok LIVE to connect with customers and make sales.
TikTok’s New SME Council: Big Support for Small Businesses
TikTok has just launched its first Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Council in the UK. This is big news for small businesses! The council is made up of 20 different businesses from across the UK, and its goal is to help these businesses grow by influencing policies and sharing ideas.
On April 4, the council held its first meeting in Stoke-on-Trent. Business owners shared their stories of running a business in the UK and how TikTok has helped them succeed. These ideas will go into TikTok’s first SME Manifesto, which will be presented to the government. The manifesto will suggest ways to help small businesses grow, improve skills, and encourage more entrepreneurship.
Why This Matters for Small Businesses
TikTok has become a powerhouse for small businesses in the UK. Since 2018, over 1.5 million UK businesses have joined the platform. These range from small family businesses to larger companies looking to expand.
The platform’s growth is impressive. Research shows that TikTok Shop was one of the fastest-growing online retailers in 2024. Over 6,000 businesses now use TikTok Shop LIVE every day in the UK to sell products and connect with customers.
Meet the Council Members
The council includes businesses from all sorts of industries. Here are a few examples:
- Hair Anatomy (Birmingham): This affordable wig brand makes 70% of its sales through TikTok Shop. Thanks to the platform, they’ve been able to expand their office and focus on growing their business.
- Levitex (Manchester): A sleep company that posts videos about sleep posture. Their videos have been viewed over 500 million times, and their LIVE sales sessions bring in thousands of pounds.
- Bear Burners (Sunderland): An artisan candle maker who turned their business around using TikTok LIVE. Now, they’ve even reopened their physical shop.
- Sumayah Saadi (London): A modest clothing line that’s made £4 million in sales since joining TikTok. They’ve built a huge community of customers.
These stories show how TikTok can transform a business.
How TikTok is Changing Retail
TikTok is not just for dances and trends. It’s becoming a major player in shopping. Small businesses are using features like TikTok LIVE and shoppable ads to sell products in new and exciting ways.
For example, businesses like Ooh and Aah Cookies (Northern Ireland) and E.V. Slack & Sons (Doncaster) are using the platform to connect with customers and grow their sales.
TikTok’s Vision for Small BusineTikTok has just launched its first Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Council in the UK. This is big news for small businesses! sses
Ali Law, a leader at TikTok UK, explained why the platform is so helpful for small businesses. “TikTok gives small businesses the chance to reach new customers, tell their stories, and sell their products to more people than ever before,” he said.
The new SME Council is part of TikTok’s bigger plan to support small businesses. By giving them a voice in policymaking, TikTok hopes to create an environment where SMEs can thrive.
The Future of Small Businesses on TikTok
This is an exciting time for small businesses in the UK. With TikTok’s SME Council and the success of TikTok Shop, there are more opportunities than ever for businesses to grow.
If you’re a small business owner or just starting out, TikTok could be the perfect place to reach new customers and achieve your goals. Who knows, maybe you’ll be the next big success story!
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