Gift company benefits from Small Biz 100 list

An independent gift company is reaping the benefits of appearing on the Small Biz 100 list.

Hay Hampers is one of 100 UK companies to be championed by organisers of Small Business Saturday.

The campaign encourages shoppers to support small independent businesses and is championing one company a day in the 100 days leading up to December 1.

The Bourne company was thrilled to be listed.

Managing director Elisabeth Och said: “Being selected is great for improving our visibility, especially the social media exposure. We have also been on contact with the other small businesses to share ideas.

“I always try to buy from small businesses but when when you look at the growth of companies like Amazon perhaps people aren’t always aware. That’s why programmes like this are really important to help people survive.”

Elisabeth and her husband Gabriele Da Re took over the business from its founders four years ago. Since then they have increased the annual turn-over by 300 per cent to £2million.

The owners moved the business to Bourne which increased production. They also invested in new integrated computer software which allows them to dispatch products within an hour of the order being placed.

Elisabeth said: “Our main feature is to be innovative and offer new products.

“We’re careful about what we offer and try to find products that aren’t available anywhere else, especially in the supermarkets.”

New for this year is an advent hamper with a treat for each day in December. The team hope it will be popular with younger shoppers who may not otherwise buy hampers.

Small Business Saturday director, Michelle Ovens, said: “The Small Biz 100 showcases the companies at the heart of the UK’s economy, which we need to support now more than ever.”

Last year £748m was spent on Small Business Saturday in the UK.