Sage, the leading business software and services provider, has thrown its support behind the first-ever #MicroBizMattersDay on January 9th, a day of action aiming to bolster the fortunes of hundreds of thousands of micro-businesses around the world.
The day, organised and led by Enterprise Rockers, calls for everyone in the country to give nine minutes to make life better for micro enterprise owners (firms with between 0-9 employees) everywhere.
Figures published by Start-Up Britain this week found more businesses were founded in the UK than ever before in 2014 – a total of 581,173. However, Sage said today despite this boom there is still a gap in support for micro-firms from big business and Government policy.
To help address this, the day calls for firms to support each other and a total of 10.5 hours of business tips and advice will be broadcast online on the day through a series of Google Hangouts with some of the country’s leading entrepreneurs.
Business owners and the public are being encouraged to tune in, and join the discussion on Twitter using the hashtag #MicroBizMattersDay.
Nick Goode, Head of Sage One, said: “As a supporter of start-ups and micro-businesses we’re thrilled to throw our weight behind this great cause. By using technology and getting online, firms and the general public have a great opportunity to give thousands of firms a leg-up in 2015.
“There are more than five million businesses in the UK which have between zero and nine employees – a total 95 per cent of the business population. On top of this, more new businesses are being created than ever before, yet so much more can be done to support this huge community.
“All it takes is just nine minutes of your time to help a micro-business out – it could be anything from joining in the discussion online, to buying a product or service.”
Co-founder of Enterprise Rockers Tony Robinson, who received an OBE in 2001 for his services to small firms, said: “The #MicroBizMattersDay of actions will enable more micro enterprises to survive and thrive around the world.
“Micro enterprises already create most new jobs, more innovation and more support to their communities, so the future success of micro enterprise is #Rocking Good News for everyone, everywhere.
“These tiny drops in the ocean will create a tsunami of micro business improvement through the Power of Plenty – the power unleashed when many micro business owners take actions to help each other in a concerted way.”
About The Sage Group plc
We provide small and medium sized organisations, and mid-market companies, with a range of easy-to-use, secure and efficient business management software and services - from accounting, HR and payroll, to payments, enterprise resource planning and customer relationship management. Our customers receive continuous advice and support through our global network of local experts to help them solve their business problems, giving them the confidence to achieve their business ambitions. Formed in 1981, Sage was floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1989 and entered the FTSE 100 in 1999. Sage has millions of customers and 12,975 employees in 23 countries covering the UK & Ireland, mainland Europe, North America, South Africa, Australia, Asia and Brazil. For further information please visit www.sage.com.
About Enterprise Rockers
Enterprise Rockers is a free to join in movement and Community Interest Company, co-founded and co-funded by Tina Boden and Tony Robinson OBE. It is the largest, fully independent, informal ‘network of networks’ for micro (0-9 employees) enterprise owners, anywhere and has one aim; ‘To make life better for micro enterprise owners, everywhere’.