TikTok has launched a new initiative to give small businesses a greater say in the UK’s fast-evolving digital economy, as 20 entrepreneurs gathered at the platform’s first-ever SME Council meeting at Stoke-on-Trent town hall.
The council brings together a diverse mix of small and medium-sized business owners — from butchers to beauty entrepreneurs — to exchange insights, shape future policy, and craft a manifesto for government, due to be published this autumn. TikTok says the goal is to create a forum where SMEs can better understand digital tools, influence policymaking, and drive growth through content and creativity.
With over 1.5 million UK small businesses now active on TikTok, the platform has quickly become a central player in Britain’s business ecosystem. Ali Law, Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs for TikTok UK and Ireland, described the council as “a butcher, a baker, and a candlestick maker” — a nod to its industry-spanning mix.
Among the new council members is Rachel Spence, founder of Bear Burners in South Shields, who said the council represents a long-overdue platform for practical guidance: “Small businesses make up an incredible amount of the UK’s economy, but a lot of the time you have to figure it all out on your own.”
Others highlighted the inclusive, modern feel of the event compared to traditional business groups. “Sometimes Chambers of Commerce can feel a bit intimidating for early-stage founders,” said Louise Rogerson, Chief Clinical Officer at Manchester-based sleep-tech firm Levitex. “This felt modern and welcoming.”
Dominique Bogle Khan, founder of Birmingham wig brand Hair Anatomy, pointed to the emotional benefit of the council: “Being an entrepreneur is a very lonely place sometimes. It was comforting to realise others had gone through the same things.”
The launch comes amid the rapid rise of “social commerce” — direct shopping through platforms like TikTok Shop and Instagram Shopping. According to Retail Economics, over 25% of UK shoppers made purchases through social media in 2024, marking a shift in how small businesses reach customers.
TikTok hopes the SME Council will act as both a support network and a policy sounding board, helping to shape its platform features and offer government a clearer view of the real-world challenges facing small firms.
Though an unconventional voice in business policymaking, TikTok’s growing role in the small business landscape is unmistakable. As more entrepreneurs look to video-first platforms for growth, the council may offer a new model of influence — driven by content, connection, and creativity.
