eBay Business Roadshow kicks off in Sheffield, giving SMEs advice on “beating the cost of living crisis”

Small businesses and entrepreneurs across Yorkshire attended the first eBay Business Roadshow at Sheffield City Hall this week.

The event kicked off the company’s first ever physical regional roadshow and investment programme in the UK, turning up at the doorsteps of small businesses across the country, helping would-be and fledgling entrepreneurs to both start up and scale up their online businesses.

Murray Lambell, eBay UK’s general manager, opened the event by recognising the challenges facing small businesses as the cost of living tightens and stressing the “volatility” of the retail trading environment. He argued that small businesses are particularly bearing the brunt of inflation, supply chain issues and tax.

Lord Callanan, minister for business, energy and corporate responsibility, closed the event with a speech that focused on the vital support needed for small businesses across both the public and private sectors.

In partnership with Small Business Britain and the British Chambers of Commerce, the event included a number of informative sessions with top speakers. Michelle Ovens CBE, founder of Small Business Britain, discussed how small businesses can best overcome and recover in 2022, whilst Karen Mosley, president of the Sheffield Chambers of Commerce, focused on how to hire, retain and champion the best people.

Small business owners attending included Catherine Boswell, founder of Vintro Clothing, who said: “Since starting Vintro Clothing with my husband eight years ago, we have never looked back. The corporate world just didn’t suit us and the eBay platform allowed us to make our dreams a reality.

“However, we can’t deny that the last two years haven’t been difficult and that the current climate is giving us renewed concern. That’s why an event like this is so important; not only in the support it provides but in gathering so many small businesses together to share their experiences.”

At the event, Murray Lambell also announced eBay’s landmark grant and funding announcement, which will see it invest over £1m in grants and support packages for small businesses across the UK. Entrepreneurs and small businesses attending each event will have the opportunity to apply for the grants and support packages.

Murray Lambell, general manager, eBay UK said: “It’s been incredible to see so many small businesses turn up to our very first eBay Business Roadshow. It has been a really difficult couple of years for small businesses and entrepreneurs right across the country, and the future looks no less challenging.

“That’s why we were so keen to host an event that could make a meaningful difference - providing these business owners with tangible skills, advice and networking opportunities that can help them thrive in the long term.”

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