Funny business names can boost small business sales by a third

A witty or funny business name can be a huge driver in helping small businesses succeed, a new study by Simply Business reveals.

A third (28%) of people would be more likely to shop at a small or local business with a funny or witty business name compared to those without, according to a survey of over 2,000 consumers by Simply Business, one of the UK’s largest small business insurance providers.

Furthermore, two thirds (64%) of people would also be more likely to notice a small or local business with a funny or witty business name.

To celebrate the wit, creativity, and humour of the nation’s small business owners, Simply Business are looking to crown one standout business with the title of ‘Britain’s Best Small Business Name’.

The winner of this award will receive a prize of £2,500 to help grow their business. Entries are open until the 20^th May, and the winner will be announced on the 7^th June. To enter, click here

Impact of witty business names

The study also revealed that of those who would be more likely to notice and / or purchase from a small or local business with a funny or witty business name, over half (57%) say this is because it is more memorable than one without.

Other key reasons include the name standing out above other business names (55%), appreciation for the creativity, and adding personality to the business (both 51%).

Small businesses are vital to local communities and people are noticeably preferring to shop small rather than at larger chains. Given the choice, nearly nine in ten (88%) people prefer to shop at small, local, or independent businesses when compared to larger chains, or a mixture of small businesses together with larger chains.

The main reason that people are choosing to shop small is the desire to support local businesses (62%), while more than half (57%) feel as though it is important to support their local community. Around 41% say they like to know their money is having a direct impact, while 39% say that service is better with small and independent businesses.

The study comes as Simply Business launches an advertising campaign titled “You name it. We insure it”, celebrating some of the punniest names in business, with real-life businesses including:

• Pane in the Glass – a window and door repairs firm in Norfolk
• Get Stuffed – a takeaway restaurant in Shadwell, London
• Curl Up and Dye – a hairdressing salon in Kingston, South London
• Rough Around The Hedges – a mobile gardener in Elmbridge, Surrey

Alan Thomas, UK CEO at Simply Business comments: “ We look at our role as more than an insurance provider – we’re champions for small businesses, so it only feels right to celebrate the creativity and personality of some of the best business names in the UK. It’s incredible the impact a business name can have on your business – not only are you more memorable but it shows your personality and sense of humour.

“With six million SMEs across the UK, acting as the lifeblood of our communities and collectively providing trillions of pounds to the UK economy, the competition out there is fierce. A smart business name has never been so important – it’s usually the first thing a potential customer will interact with.

“We’re incredibly proud to provide tailored insurance to over 800,000 creative and diverse small businesses and we’re here to celebrate the wittiest and best names in the UK. That’s why we’re on a search for Britain’s Best Small Business Name, with the winner receiving £2,500 to support their journey.”

To enter click https://www.simplybusiness.co.uk/you-name-it-we-insure-it/