ICE member Happus was one of 100 companies that represented the UK’s 5.4 million small businesses at an event at The Treasury, marking the UK’s third annual Small Business Saturday.
David Williams, Managing Director of Happus, which offers affordable hardware and internet connection across the UK, joined other small business owners at a special small business Christmas Fair at The Treasury’s Internal Drum, attended by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne.
Speaking after the event Mr Williams said, “It was a real privilege to represent small businesses in Wales and we were delighted to be one in one hundred small businesses invited down to The Treasury.
“Small businesses have a huge part to play in the economy here in Wales and across the wider UK. However as a small business we have a lot more control over our service and the freedom to make decisions that we know will benefit our customers – because we speak to them every day. We aren’t a chain working for a head office, we are a part of our community, living and working amongst our stakeholders.
“We are hoping that the focus and attention that surrounds Small Business Saturday will really help highlight the issue of digital exclusion. We started Happus to help tackle the lack of affordable hardware and connectivity, now we want to help people get the skills they need to get online and be part of the digital world.
“The ethos here at Happus is that internet access is a right, not a privilege and that’s why we are offering free support to anyone who feels they need help getting online.”
Small Business Saturday, a grass-roots, not-for-profit campaign, places small independent businesses in the national spotlight. Its aim is to prompt people not only to spend money with small independent businesses in the run-up to Christmas but also to create a mind-set to support them all year round.
The Chancellor, George Osborne, commented: “Small Business Saturday is a great opportunity to champion some of the brilliant entrepreneurs and firms we have in this country and make sure everyone is aware of the powerful role they play.”
Small Business UK Campaign Director, Michelle Ovens said: “Small Business Saturday has become an exceptional example of collaboration and co-operation with small businesses teaming up in communities around the UK.
“We aim to showcase the level of diversity, innovation and talent that is active within our small business sector and persuading people to get out and support their friends, neighbours and family members and reinforce local communities and economies.”
American Express was the founder of the campaign which began in the US and is the principal supporter of Small Business Saturday UK, as part of its on-going commitment to encourage consumers to shop small.
The campaign also benefits from the backing of leading business organisations including the Federation of Small Businesses, which has a programme of supportive events planned across the country, as well as other corporate supporters including Vistaprint, TalkTalk Business, Indeed, Sage, PRS for Music and PPL.
Happus offer discounted hardware packages for anyone looking to get online, which combined with their exclusive TalkTalk deal and full customer support, means the team are a one stop shop for digital inclusion.
Happus want to reach out to anyone who feels they could benefit from being online but are unsure if they can afford it. You can contact the team via telephone on 03300 103300 or on their website.
