HSBC Extends Small Business Growth Programme

HSBC UK and VML UK have launched Proud to Support Small Businesses, a national campaign featuring real business owners photographed in heroic poses, elevated on pedestals made from their own products and services. The ten owners spotlighted were all winners at HSBC UK's first Small Business Growth Awards, held in June in partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses.

The businesses featured span the country and include Manchester natural fizzy drinks brand Hip Pop, Leicester food-to-go brand Jake & Nayns, and Welsh prosthetics design and manufacturing studio Limb-art. Each finalist has also been offered a one-to-one mentorship opportunity with Dragon's Den panellist Sara Davies as part of the programme.

The campaign is a continuation of last year's activity, which established HSBC UK's commitment to small business support. This year's work goes further into the businesses themselves rather than making broader category claims. The integrated campaign runs nationally across OOH, DOOH, audio, print, social media, and across the bank's branch network, with media handled by OMG.

The Small Business Growth Awards are an extension of HSBC's Small Business Growth Programme, which provides free digital training, events, and insight for startups and small businesses across the UK.

Full story: Creative Salon