London, 17 June 2024 – Sage, the leader in accounting, financial, HR, and payroll technology for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), has once again partnered with international cricket legend Stuart Broad. Together, they are launching the Sage Small Business XI competition, offering a total of £50,000 in business grants to ten small businesses across the UK.
Over the first 3 months of 2024, the UK’s small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) have increased their profits. These businesses, which make up three-fifths of the UK private sector have shown remarkable resilience. However, this resilience comes at a cost with most SMB owners dedicating more time to working on their business than sleeping. Recognising these challenges, Broad, who co-owns two pubs in the Midlands with his former Nottingham teammate Harry Gurney, understands firsthand the pressures faced by small businesses. This competition celebrates the unsung local heroes of the economy.
Sage aims to help SMBs tackle some of their challenges and knock down barriers by providing small businesses with a financial boost. Each of these businesses will be rewarded with a £5,000 grant to help their business, along with additional prizes linked to this summer’s The Hundred cricket tournament. Moreover, as part of the competition win, these businesses will gain access to Sage’s innovative technology, insights, and expertise, further helping to alleviate some of the pressures they face and supporting their growth and success.
Last summer, the Sage Small Business XI competition saw a ground-breaking technology company, Bristol Braille Technology, crowned the overall winner but this year Broad is on the hunt for a total of ten small businesses to join his Tap & Run pub in the Sage Small Business XI.
Commenting on the launch, Stuart Broad said; "I’m delighted to be partnering with Sage for the Small Business XI competition this summer. Being a small business owner myself, I know the important role businesses play in their local communities, as well as the challenges facing smaller businesses, in particular, when trying to thrive in the current economic climate.
We want to reward small business owners who will benefit not only from a £5k business grant, but from the valuable resources, expert guidance and access to cutting-edge technology from Sage. I can’t wait to see who gets selected for my Sage Small Business XI over the coming weeks."
Sage plans to champion the stories of the winning business owners, showcasing their journeys and the impact the prize has had on their businesses.
Cath Keers, Global CMO at Sage added; "Championing small businesses is a huge priority for Sage. That’s why this year we are celebrating even more small businesses than ever through our role as the Official Insights Partner of The Hundred. As the tournament is played across eight different regional locations it means it reaches an enormous number of small business owners of all types. We are thrilled to be working with Stuart once again and to be telling the stories of inspiring business owners through the competition - helping even more people to achieve their goals this year."
Entry to the Sage Small Business XI is open now, visit www.sage.com/TheHundred for more details and to enter.
About Sage
Sage exists to knock down barriers so everyone can thrive, starting with the millions of small- and mid-sized businesses served by us, our partners and accountants. Customers trust our finance, HR and payroll software to make work and money flow. By digitising business processes and relationships with customers, suppliers, employees, banks and governments, our digital network connects SMBs, removing friction and delivering insights. Knocking down barriers also means we use our time, technology, and experience to tackle digital inequality, economic inequality and the climate crisis. Learn more at www.sage.com/en-gb/
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