Funniest names in business – shortlist revealed

The shortlist for Britain’s Best Small Business Name has been revealed as part of a nationwide competition that will see one small business receive £2,500.

With over 1,500 entries, the competition by Simply Business, one of the UK’s largest small business insurance providers, aims to celebrate the wit, creativity, and humour of the nation’s small business owners up and down the country.

It’s now down to the public to crown the winner of the competition. Voting is now open until 5pm Tuesday, 31 May, and the winner will be announced on 7 June – cast your vote here.

Brewed Awakening, Coffee Shop, Manchester

DonutKillMyVive Ltd, Donut Business, Chelmsford

Goal Digger Coaching, Life Coaching, London

Grout of this World, Life Coaching, London

Hyde and Sheep, Leather Goods, Wales

Paws For Thought, Dog Walking Service, Essex

Perky Blinders, Coffee Shop, London

Satisfashion, Personal Shopper/Stylist, Edinburgh

The Air of the Dog Ltd, Inflatable Pub, Gravesend

Wam Bam Campervan Ltd, Campervan hire and conversions, Longfield

A witty or funny business name can play a big part in helping small businesses succeed, a new study by Simply Business reveals.

A third (28%) of people say they’d be more likely to shop at a small or local business with a funny or witty business name compared to those without, according to a survey of over 2,000 consumers by Simply Business. Furthermore, two-thirds (64%) of people would also be more likely to notice a small or local business with a funny or witty business name.

To celebrate the wit, creativity, and humour of the nation’s small business owners, Simply Business is looking to crown one standout business with the title of ‘Britain’s Best Small Business Name’.

Small businesses are vital to local communities and 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.

Alan Thomas, UK CEO at Simply Business comments: “We see our role as more than an insurance provider – we’re champions for small businesses, so it only feels right to celebrate the creativity and personality of some of the best business names in the UK. It’s incredible the impact a business name can have on your business – not only are you more memorable butour research suggests customers are more likely to spend with businesses with witty names.

“With close to six million SMEs across the UK, acting as the lifeblood of our communities and collectively providing trillions of pounds to the UK economy, the competition out there is fierce. A smart business name has never been so important.

“We’re incredibly proud to provide tailored insurance to over 800,000 creative and diverse small businesses and we’re here to celebrate the wittiest and best names in the UK. That’s why we’re on a search for Britain’s Best Small Business Name, with the winner receiving £2,500 to support their journey.”