Constant Contact, the leading digital marketing and automation platform for small businesses and nonprofits, and Enterprise Nation, has announced the winners of the Small Business, Big Break competition.
In a game-changing initiative designed to propel the nation’s most innovative small businesses into the spotlight, three outstanding SMEs have each been awarded a share of a marketing package worth over £300,000, including TV advertising thanks to support from Channel 4 alongside tailored digital marketing support.
At a special pitch event held on July 14 in London, eight dynamic small businesses – chosen out of thousands of hopeful entrepreneurs who entered the competition – presented their innovative ideas to a high-profile panel of experts, including former Dragon’s Den and AI entrepreneur Piers Linney.
The winners –Natalie James, founder of sustainable skincare brand, helloSKIN, Jennifer Bailey, founder of innovative footwear brand for women with problem feet Calla Shoes and Lauren O’Donnell, founder of overnight oats brands Oatsu – impressed the judges with their vision, strategic insight, and readiness to scale nationally. Each winner receives a bespoke TV commercial for their brand along with professional production, and strategic digital marketing support from Constant Contact.
Erika Robinson, UK General Manager at Constant Contact, said: “Small Business, Big Break is about giving our UK entrepreneurs the recognition they deserve and to make a difference to their growth trajectory. The quality of pitches we witnessed underscores the incredible innovation within the small business sector. We are proud to award these winning SMEs a chance to escalate their growth through a national TV campaign.”
Aaron Asadi, CEO of Enterprise Nation, added: “Following an exhilarating pitch event, the compelling stories and innovative visions of the winners are now destined to reach audiences nationwide. We are excited to see the success stories of Natalie, Jennifer and Lauren as they move forward.”
Nick Archer, Client & Business Development Leader at Channel 4, said:
“Television remains one of the most powerful mediums for building brand credibility and reaching vast audiences, making it the perfect stepping stone for our winners to go from strength to strength.
“We’re so excited to support these innovative SMEs as they embark on their journey to national recognition by connecting with Channel 4’s varied and engaged audience.”Natalie James, London-based founder of helloSKIN, said: “Winning this competition means the world to me and to helloSKIN. We’re passionate about creating affordable, high-performance skincare that’s kind to both people and the planet.
This TV opportunity will help us spread the word about our dissolvable masks and inspire more consumers to glow responsibly. We’re so excited for what comes next!”
Jennifer Bailey, founder and CEO of Salford-based women’s shoe brand Calla Shoes, said: “I am beyond proud of the whole Calla team and the partners that we work with that made my job of pitching our story and successes so much easier.
“I’m completely overwhelmed and surprised as the calibre of the finalists was so good, I would have found it impossible to pick one of us after listening to each of their inspiring stories.
“Calla now has an incredible opportunity to reach millions of homes in the UK with our mission to help all women stand tall and confident in their footwear – I can’t wait to see us on TV in the run-up to Christmas.”
Lauren O’Donnell, founder of overnight oats brand Oatsu, said: “I’m absolutely over the moon to be named a winner in Constant Contact’s Small Business, Big Break competition.
This win comes at a pivotal time for Oatsu. After over a year in development, we’ve launched the UK’s first ready-to-eat overnight oats range with an industry-leading shelf life – without preservatives.
“With strong interest from major retailers and a loyal customer base, we’re now ready to scale. The opportunity to showcase our brand on Channel 4 is a game changer, helping us to in positioning Oatsu as the UK’s leading healthy breakfast brand.
“Whether it’s five minutes of calm or a head start on the day, Oatsu lets you do mornings your way.”
Prize package details for each winner:
- A professionally produced TV commercial
- Video production and support from a leading creative agency to create their dream TV ad
- An exclusive package of marketing tools, mentorship and guidance to supercharge their digital marketing efforts and reach new customers