Member Stories

From fashion designers and freelance photographers to manufacturers and marketing specialists, our members run successful small businesses in a variety of sectors across the UK. We’re taking you behind the scenes of their businesses to share what it’s like to run a small business and how FSB can help you every step of the way.

Social enterprise championing small businesses one box at a time

Social enterprise championing small businesses one box at a time

Rachel McIlgorm is the founder of social enterprise Storybox NI. Inspired by hope to rebuild local businesses after a turbulent time, the community interest initiative was born. Rachel takes us behind the scenes of the online business based in East Belfast.

Cutting-edge skills inspiring the next generation of talent

Cutting-edge skills inspiring the next generation of talent

Manchester-based Joana Hesse is passionate about helping youngsters into the hairdressing industry. Award-winning Afro-European hair salon owner Joana shares her story and advice for business owners looking to offer apprenticeship and training opportunities.

Meet the veteran's mental health project powered by coffee

Meet the veteran's mental health project powered by coffee

Nigel Seaman founded Combat2Coffee in Ipswich, a veterans mental health project that supports veterans and families in the community through coffee. Inspired by his own mental health journey, Nigel set up the social enterprise to provide purposeful rehabilitation, training, and outreach.

 From dining room table start-up to flying high at Haverfordwest Airport

From dining room table start-up to flying high at Haverfordwest Airport

Aerospace company Metal Seagulls in Wales specialise in building, maintaining and operating light aircraft. Founders Patricia Mawuli Porter OBE and Jonathan Porter share the journey of running and growing their business.

Success for start-up serving a blend of Dutch and Scottish food

Success for start-up serving a blend of Dutch and Scottish food

David Griffiths, co-founder of award-winning Aberdam Dutch Fries, takes us behind the scenes of running the small business. Spotting a gap in the market, David took the leap to launch an innovative street food business and is looking to take the fan-favourite further afield.

Young entrepreneur taking the streetwear scene by storm

Young entrepreneur taking the streetwear scene by storm

Ryan Jackson took his passion for buying and selling at a young age and channelled it into opening his own destination retail storm. The Brighton-based entrepreneur, owner of award-winning OG Kicks, shares his start-up story and advice for fellow business owners.

 

Explore all small business stories

 

FSB Member Stories: Patricia Mawuli Porter OBE and Jonathan Porter, Metal Seagulls
Video Mon, 09 October 2023

FSB Member Stories: Patricia Mawuli Porter OBE and Jonathan Porter, Metal Seagulls

Having started the business on a dining room table, Metal Seagulls is flying high at Haverfordwest Airport, building, maintaining and operating light aircraft. We chat to founders Patricia Mawuli Porter OBE and Jonathan Porter about what it's like to run their business.

FSB Member Stories: Graham Clark, Anderson Clark Motor Repairs
Video Fri, 04 August 2023

FSB Member Stories: Graham Clark, Anderson Clark Motor Repairs

Go behind the scenes at Graham Clark’s workshop in Inverness, Anderson Clark Motor Repairs, to find out what it’s like running a motor vehicle servicing and repair centre.

FSB Member Stories: Gordon Peters, Highland Heating Management
Video Fri, 04 August 2023

FSB Member Stories: Gordon Peters, Highland Heating Management

Established in 2006, Highland Heating Management has a team of engineers covering the oil, gas, electric and plumbing industry. Managing director Gordon Peters gives us a glimpse into the business.

FSB Member Stories: Kevin Stacey, 42 Cycling
Video Thu, 03 August 2023

FSB Member Stories: Kevin Stacey, 42 Cycling

Join Kevin Stacey, owner of 42 Cycling, on a cycling tour of stunning sights in the Highlands of Scotland. Kevin shares his story of pursuing his passion for cycling after 25 years in the military.

FSB Member Stories: David Griffiths, Aberdam Dutch Fries
Video Thu, 03 August 2023

FSB Member Stories: David Griffiths, Aberdam Dutch Fries

Meet the start-up serving up a blend of Scottish and Dutch street food in Aberdeen. We spoke to David Griffiths, co-founder of award-winning Aberdam Dutch Fries, about their journey so far.

FSB Member Stories: Catherine Bunn, Highland Campervans
Video Thu, 03 August 2023

FSB Member Stories: Catherine Bunn, Highland Campervans

Catherine Bunn shares the story of Highland Campervans, an award-winning campervan and motorhome dealership based in Inverness.

FSB Member Stories: Nicola Fraser, KR Group
Video Thu, 03 August 2023

FSB Member Stories: Nicola Fraser, KR Group

Steel fabrication specialists KR Group, based in Aberdeenshire, are on a mission to develop the young workforce in the construction industry. Director Nicola Fraser takes us behind the scenes.

FSB Member Stories: Jimmy Buchan, Amity Fish Company
Video Wed, 02 August 2023

FSB Member Stories: Jimmy Buchan, Amity Fish Company

Starting out as a white fish skipper, Jimmy Buchan is the owner of award-winning Amity Fish Company, a supplier of Scottish seafood based in Peterhead. Jimmy shares what it’s like working in the fishing industry.

FSB Member Stories: Fraser MacLean, M&H Carriers
Video Wed, 02 August 2023

FSB Member Stories: Fraser MacLean, M&H Carriers

Independent distribution company M&H Carriers make thousands of deliveries every day across the North of Scotland. Owner Fraser MacLean takes us behind the scenes at their Inverness Hub.

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