The Business is GREAT campaign has created a festive calendar, featuring 24 diverse and innovative small businesses from across the country, including The Urban Botanist, which sells stylish terrariums across UK and beyond. The Urban Botanist gives a traditional idea a modern twist, bringing the concept of a terrarium – an indoor garden – into the 21st century.

Lucy Serafi from Manchester-based, The Urban Botanist said: “We’re very proud of the business we have built and grown, and to celebrate our successes by being part of the Business is GREAT advent calendar is fantastic. Here we join 23 other businesses across the country highlighting the organisations and people doing great things for small businesses, and the government support that has made some of it possible.”

All 24 businesses involved in the calendar have received government support or used its services, from help with exporting to new markets and tax relief for innovation, to hiring apprentices to grow their teams.  They are backing the advent calendar to let other businesses know about the advice and support available to them.

December is an important time for small businesses. According to the latest statistics released by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), in the run up to Christmas, online sales are 40% higher than an average month. Online spending in December is up 200% since 2007 and has been rising by around £100 million year on year. This calendar has been created to celebrate small businesses and highlight their diversity and innovation during this key period for sales.

Over 24 days, 24 small businesses will be revealed, unveiling their story of growth and their route to success. The Business is GREAT campaign is run by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and UK Trade & Investment (UKTI). It aims to celebrate and inspire small businesses and provides relevant advice and information for small and medium-sized enterprises looking to grow, hire, export, lead and access finance.

Business Minister Matthew Hancock said: “There are a record number of small businesses in the UK – over five million in total – and the Business is GREAT campaign is doing a fantastic job of spreading the word about the advice and support out there for small firms who want to grow and create jobs. They fully deserve to be celebrated. We want Britain to be the best place in the world to start and grow, and The Urban Botanist is a shining example of why we’re backing small businesses every step of the way.”

To find out more about the businesses involved or support available, and to follow the small business advent countdown every day visit: www.greatbusiness.gov.uk/adventcalendar.