Sunnyside Guest House in Southport has been recognised as one of the UK’s 100 most inspiring small businesses for 2025 by the Small Business Saturday campaign, which champions and promotes independent firms nationwide.

Established in 2008 by Anthony Duffey, Sunnyside is a family-run guest house in the heart of Southport town centre, known for its welcoming atmosphere and personal service.

Chosen following a nationwide search, Sunnyside has been selected for this year’s SmallBiz100 line-up, a showcase of the UK’s most innovative and admired small businesses, ahead of Small Business Saturday on 6 December.

Now in its twelfth year, Small Business Saturday is the UK’s biggest celebration of small businesses, encouraging people to shop local and support independent firms. Sunnyside will be spotlighted by the campaign on 7 November as part of the 100-day countdown.

Originally founded by American Express in the U.S. in 2010, the campaign has grown into a grassroots, non-commercial movement in the UK, with Amex continuing as its principal supporter.

Anthony Duffey, Founder of Sunnyside Guest House, said:

“To be named in the UK’s SmallBiz100 in the same year that Sunnyside Guest House was awarded both ‘Best B&B in the Country’ and ‘Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Business of the Year’ at the Visit England Awards for Excellence is a huge honour. Since 2008, we’ve been passionate about offering guests a sustainable ‘home from home’ while supporting the strong community we’re proud to be part of here in Southport. This recognition highlights the positive impact small, sustainable businesses can have both locally and nationally, and we’re delighted to represent our town in the SmallBiz100.”

Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK, said:

“Small businesses are the nation’s favourite businesses – bringing immeasurable value to our local communities and powering the wider economy.

Firms like Sunnyside in this year’s SmallBiz100 represent some of the UK’s most-loved small businesses. It is so important that we encourage public support for small business up and down the country, as many are still facing a host of challenges as they enter this critical final stretch of the year.”

Dan Edelman, General Manager, UK Merchant Services at American Express, said: 

“Through our long-standing support of Small Business Saturday, American Express is proud to champion the nation’s small businesses. Congratulations to this year’s SmallBiz100, which once again showcases the incredible vibrancy and innovation of small firms and the valuable contribution they make to local communities.”

Over the past decade, Small Business Saturday has inspired millions to back independent businesses, generating billions of pounds of spend and support that extends far beyond the day itself. On the day, customers across the UK are encouraged to support all kinds of small businesses — from shops, cafes and restaurants to service providers and B2B firms such as accountants and tradespeople. Many businesses mark the occasion with special events and promotions.

The campaign has received widespread backing from political leaders, including the Prime Minister, the Mayor of London and the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Last year, more than 90% of local councils supported the initiative, which also trended nationwide on social media.

To learn more about the Sunnyside you can visit their website.

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