Announcement: SmallBiz100 Ambassador, Gary Parsons

RECOGNISED AS ONE OF THE UK’S MOST EXCITING NEW BUSINESSES – GARY PARSONS.

Officially launched in April 2024, following his departure as CEO of Talk Staff earlier this year, Gary Parsons’ latest venture, focusing on Leadership Mental Health & Wellbeing, has been named as one of the nation’s 100 most impressive small firms by the Small Business Saturday UK campaign, as it kicks off a wider call to encourage public support for small businesses.

Following a nationwide search, Derbyshire-based Gary Parsons has been selected as part of this year’s #SmallBiz100 line-up, which showcases 100 of the most impressive independent businesses from across the nation as part of the count-down to Small Business Saturday on 7 December.

Gary Parsons’ journey of resilience began at 18 when he was diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy, a challenge that profoundly impacted his self-image and confidence for five years. Despite this personal struggle, he co-founded the multi-award-winning consultancy Talk Staff in 2009 during the global recession, exemplifying his determination in the face of adversity. However, it wasn’t until 2021 that Gary openly addressed the mental health challenges stemming from his condition, using his experience to advocate for greater openness and support in leadership. Now, as a Leadership Mental Health Advocate and Inspirational Speaker, Gary is dedicated to transforming the discourse around leadership mental health through speaking engagements, leadership workshops, his podcast ‘Leaders in Disguise,’ and continued advocacy.

Running in the UK for over a decade, Small Business Saturday is the UK’s most successful small business campaign, which takes place each year on the first weekend in December, celebrating small businesses and encouraging consumers to ‘shop local’ and to support businesses in their communities.

I’m beyond delighted to be selected to continue this celebration of small businesses across the UK and the important part that they play in our growing economy.  Naturally, I’m also going to use this platform to highlight the benefits and need for further mental health and wellbeing in this sector too said Gary Parsons, Leadership Mental Health Advocate & Speaker.

Gary is profiled by the campaign on 5th September 2024 as part of the 100-day countdown to Small Business Saturday UK.

“It’s great to celebrate Gary Parsons as part of this year’s campaign,” said Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK.

“This year’s SmallBiz100 list shows the huge contribution small businesses make to their communities and the wider UK economy. Despite the economy turning a corner, the nation’s small businesses continue to feel the fallout of a challenging few years and still need significant support to get back on their feet. Small Business Saturday is all about getting the nation to come out in force and show its love for our local businesses.”

With a mission to support and celebrate the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses, Small Business Saturday is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign. It was originally founded by American Express in the U.S. in 2010, and the brand remains the principal supporter of the campaign in the UK.

On Small Business Saturday, customers across the UK go out and support all types of small businesses, from independent shops and restaurants to small service and b2b businesses like accountants and plumbers. Many small businesses take an active role in promoting the day by hosting events and offering promotions.

Since the UK campaign started in 2013, it has reached millions of people and seen billions spent with small businesses on the day itself, with impact that lasts all year round.

Last year, the campaign received support from the Prime Minister, the Mayor of London, as well as the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Over 90% of local councils also supported the campaign, which trended across social media on the day.

To get involved in Small Business Saturday UK visit https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com